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Mondi Group: Trading update 11 October 2017
Mondi Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number: 1967/013038/06)
JSE share code: MND ISIN: ZAE000156550
Mondi plc
(Incorporated in England and Wales)
(Registered number: 6209386)
LEI: 213800LOZA69QFDC9N34
JSE share code: MNP ISIN: GB00B1CRLC47
LSE share code: MNDI
As part of the dual listed company structure, Mondi Limited and Mondi plc (together 'Mondi Group') notify
both the JSE Limited and the London Stock Exchange of matters required to be disclosed under the
Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited and/or the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency and Listing
Rules of the United Kingdom Listing Authority.
Mondi Group: Trading update 11 October 2017
This trading update provides an overview of our financial performance and financial position since the half
year ended 30 June 2017, based on management information up to 30 September 2017. These results
have not been audited or reviewed by Mondi's external auditors.
Except as discussed in this update, there have been no significant events or transactions impacting either
the financial performance or financial position of the Group since 30 June 2017 up to the date of this statement.
Group performance overview
Underlying operating profit for the third quarter of 2017 of EUR245 million was 8% above the comparable
prior year period (EUR227 million). The Group benefited from higher average selling prices partly offset by
higher costs and negative currency effects. Underlying operating profit was in line with the second quarter
of 2017, with the positive pricing momentum seen across most product segments offset by
rising costs, negative currency effects and the usual seasonal downturn in Uncoated Fine Paper.
Like-for-like sales volumes were above the comparable prior year period, driven by good growth in
containerboard and Fibre Packaging. Selling prices for the Group's key paper grades were above those of
both the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter as the upward momentum in pricing
witnessed over the first half continued.
Costs were generally higher than the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter. Wood, energy
and chemical costs were higher than the comparable prior year period while benchmark paper for recycling
prices were up 15% compared to the third quarter of 2016, and 6% higher sequentially. Cash fixed costs were
higher as a result of inflationary cost pressures and the impact of maintenance shuts, while depreciation and
amortisation charges were up due to the impact of the Group's ongoing capital investment programme.
Our recently completed projects in Packaging Paper and Fibre Packaging are making good contributions.
Currency movements had a net negative impact on operating profit versus the comparable prior year period
driven mainly by a weaker US dollar and sharply weaker Turkish Lira. On a sequential basis, the
weakening Russian rouble and US dollar contributed to a net negative impact.
Planned mill maintenance shuts were completed during the quarter with an estimated impact on operating
profit of EUR30 million (2016: EUR20 million). Based on prevailing market prices, we continue to estimate that the
impact of planned maintenance shuts on operating profit for 2017 will be around EUR90 million, with an
expected impact in the fourth quarter of around EUR20 million (2016: EUR35 million).
Business unit overview
In Packaging Paper, containerboard markets remain strong with healthy demand and limited industry
capacity additions continuing to support pricing, albeit with the level of price increases achieved varying by
grade. Average benchmark European unbleached kraftliner prices were up 20% on the prior year
comparable period, and up 8% sequentially. By contrast, benchmark European white-top kraftliner prices were up by
a more moderate 4% on the prior year comparable period, and up 1% sequentially. Average benchmark European
recycled containerboard prices were up 18% on the prior year, and up 5% sequentially. Price increases in
recycled containerboard (EUR30/tonne) and unbleached kraftliner (EUR50/tonne) were implemented in July and
August respectively.
The sack kraft paper market remains tight, supported by good demand growth in our export markets, stable
core European markets, and constrained supply growth. Sales volumes for sack kraft paper remained at
similar levels to the comparable prior year period and selling prices were higher following the
implementation of previously announced price increases. On a sequential basis, prices were marginally up
on average as most external volume is sold on fixed price annual contracts.
The EUR335 million modernisation of the Steti mill (Czech Republic) is progressing well. As previously announced, we have
postponed the EUR135 million investment in a new 90,000 tonne per annum machine glazed paper machine at the
same site due to concerns around a potential market imbalance following recently announced industry
capacity expansions.
Our Fibre Packaging business continues to benefit from good volume growth, particularly in Corrugated
Packaging. Recent paper price increases were partly recovered through box price increases during the
quarter. In Industrial Bags the opportunity to recover paper price increases implemented early in the
second quarter was limited due to annual fixed price contracts. Strong cost management continues to limit
the impact of cost pressures.
Consumer Packaging delivered an improved performance in the quarter although low growth in certain value added
product areas remains a challenge. In response, a programme has been launched to restructure the cost base and align
capacity to current market requirements. This involves various initiatives, including the closure of a plant in Poland,
streamlining the UK operations and reducing the fixed cost base across the business. As a result, a special item charge
estimated at EUR45 million, including an asset impairment of EUR27 million, will be recognised during the second half of 2017.
The Uncoated Fine Paper business continues to perform strongly, although the quarterly performance was
impacted by ongoing cost pressures, particularly in South Africa, planned maintenance shuts and limited
pricing momentum. Average benchmark European uncoated fine paper prices were flat on the comparable
prior year period and up 1% on the second quarter of 2017. Pricing in the domestic Russian and South
African markets remained stable over the period. Supported by steady demand and cost pressures from
rising pulp prices, price increases are currently in the process of implementation in the European, Russian
and South African markets for selected products.
Due to the accelerated rate of local demand decline, the decision has been taken to cease production of
newsprint at our Merebank mill (South Africa). A special item charge of around EUR15 million will be recognised
during the second half of 2017. During the quarter, we restarted an idled uncoated fine paper machine
which will produce annually around 70,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper to serve the local market,
displacing imports.
Cash flow and financing activities
Strong cash generation from operating activities more than offset the cash outflows related to our capital
expenditure programme and financing activities, resulting in a reduction in net debt during the quarter.
Finance charges were lower than the comparable prior year period and in line with the previous quarter
primarily due to the 5.75% 2017 Eurobond maturing in the first half of the year.
There have been no other significant changes in the Group's borrowing facilities since 30 June 2017.
During the quarter, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the Group's credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1
(stable outlook).
Outlook
We remain confident of making progress for the year and expect a strong final quarter, supported by
generally higher average selling prices and good growth. However, continuing cost pressures and negative
currency impacts are expected to result in an underlying performance for the year modestly below market expectations.
With our robust business model, strong project pipeline and culture of driving performance, we remain confident
of continuing to grow and deliver industry leading returns.
Reorganisation of business segments
As previously announced, effective from 1 October 2017, the Group reorganised its business units to reflect the
nature of the underlying products produced. The changes to the Group's business units, and consequently to the
Group's segmental reporting, are as follows:
- Uncoated Fine Paper and South Africa, excluding the containerboard operations, were merged into a single
business unit;
- the containerboard operations of South Africa were merged into Packaging Paper; and
- there were no changes to the Fibre Packaging or Consumer Packaging business units.
Restated segmental information is included as an appendix to this statement. The reorganisation had no impact on
the overall Group result.
Operating segments (restated)
Six months ended 30 June 2017
Packaging Fibre Consumer Uncoated Intersegment
EUR million, unless otherwise stated Paper Packaging Packaging Fine Paper Corporate elimination Total
Segment revenue 1,141 1,031 839 947 - (376) 3,582
Internal revenue (333) (17) (2) (24) - 376 -
External revenue 808 1,014 837 923 - - 3,582
Underlying EBITDA 296 98 106 232 (22) - 710
Depreciation and impairments (69) (35) (32) (59) (1) - (196)
Amortisation (2) (3) (11) (1) - - (17)
Underlying operating profit/(loss) 225 60 63 172 (23) - 497
Special items 5 - - - - - 5
Operating segment assets 2,338 1,390 1,555 1,751 7 (202) 6,839
Operating net segment assets 2,020 1,049 1,312 1,437 4 - 5,822
Additions to non-current
non-financial assets 120 49 76 76 - - 321
Capital expenditure cash
payments 122 47 36 49 - - 254
Operating margin (%) 19.7 5.8 7.5 18.2 - - 13.9
Return on capital employed (%) 23.1 13.0 9.7 27.6 - - 18.7
Average number of employees
(thousands)1 5.4 8.1 6.0 6.8 0.1 - 26.4
Six months ended 30 June 2016
Packaging Fibre Consumer Uncoated Intersegment
EUR million, unless otherwise stated Paper Packaging Packaging Fine Paper Corporate elimination Total
Segment revenue 1,065 968 765 853 - (339) 3,312
Internal revenue (302) (17) (2) (18) - 339 -
External revenue 763 951 763 835 - - 3,312
Underlying EBITDA 274 94 100 263 (17) - 714
Depreciation and impairments (62) (33) (28) (50) - - (173)
Amortisation (1) (2) (8) (1) - - (12)
Underlying operating profit/(loss) 211 59 64 212 (17) - 529
Operating segment assets 2,180 1,288 1,347 1,663 7 (165) 6,320
Operating net segment assets 1,821 993 1,148 1,395 6 - 5,363
Additions to non-current
non-financial assets 68 65 40 56 - - 229
Capital expenditure cash
payments 78 50 42 44 - - 214
Operating margin (%) 19.8 6.1 8.4 24.9 - - 16.0
Return on capital employed (%) 24.5 12.6 11.6 32.5 - - 21.2
Average number of employees
(thousands)1 5.3 7.6 4.9 7.0 0.1 - 24.9
Year ended 31 December 2016
Packaging Fibre Consumer Uncoated Intersegment
EUR million, unless otherwise stated Paper Packaging Packaging Fine Paper Corporate elimination Total
Segment revenue 2,103 1,929 1,562 1,720 - (652) 6,662
Internal revenue (579) (32) (4) (37) - 652 -
External revenue 1,524 1,897 1,558 1,683 - - 6,662
Underlying EBITDA 527 194 198 481 (34) - 1,366
Depreciation and impairments (126) (66) (59) (104) (1) - (356)
Amortisation (4) (5) (18) (2) - - (29)
Underlying operating profit/(loss) 397 123 121 375 (35) - 981
Special items - (13) (19) (6) - - (38)
Operating segment assets 2,215 1,315 1,502 1,781 4 (161) 6,656
Operating net segment assets 1,876 1,006 1,270 1,466 - - 5,618
Additions to non-current
non-financial assets 168 161 217 134 - - 680
Capital expenditure cash
payments 175 107 91 92 - - 465
Operating margin (%) 18.9 6.4 7.7 21.8 - - 14.7
Return on capital employed (%) 23.1 13.5 10.5 32.3 - - 20.3
Average number of employees
(thousands)1 5.3 7.7 5.3 7.0 0.1 - 25.4
Year ended 31 December 2015
Packaging Fibre Consumer Uncoated Intersegment
EUR million, unless otherwise stated Paper Packaging Packaging Fine Paper Corporate elimination Total
Segment revenue 2,213 2,031 1,469 1,764 - (658) 6,819
Internal revenue (578) (37) (4) (39) - 658 -
External revenue 1,635 1,994 1,465 1,725 - - 6,819
Underlying EBITDA 547 187 177 448 (34) - 1,325
Depreciation and impairments (121) (63) (54) (105) (1) - (344)
Amortisation (3) (4) (15) (2) - - (24)
Underlying operating profit/(loss) 423 120 108 341 (35) - 957
Special items (14) (21) (22) - - - (57)
Operating segment assets 2,202 1,224 1,333 1,542 6 (148) 6,159
Operating net segment assets 1,861 935 1,146 1,276 1 - 5,219
Additions to non-current
non-financial assets 302 118 173 139 1 - 733
Capital expenditure cash
payments 278 118 92 107 - - 595
Operating margin (%) 19.1 5.9 7.4 19.3 - - 14.0
Return on capital employed (%) 25.9 13.9 10.7 27.0 - - 20.5
Average number of employees
(thousands)1 5.6 7.7 4.6 7.3 0.1 - 25.3
Note:
1 Presented on a full time employee equivalent basis.
Capital Markets Day 2017
Mondi will hold a Capital Markets Day on the morning of Tuesday 17 October in London, and a site visit to
two consumer packaging plants in Germany on Wednesday 18 October. This event will give attendees the
opportunity to meet our leadership team and gain insights into how we operate the business in line with our
strategic priorities.
The London presentations and a link to the live webcast of the event will be available at
www.mondigroup.com/CMD2017. Registration is still open for the London event, please email
CMD.Info@mondigroup.com if you would like to attend.
Contact details:
Mondi Group
Andrew King +44 193 282 6355
Lora Rossler +27 83 627 0292
FTI Consulting
Richard Mountain +44 7909 684 466
Frances Bussey +44 20 3727 1340
Conference call dial-in details
Please see below details of our dial-in conference call that will be held on 11 October 2017 at 8:00 (UK)
and 9:00 (SA).
The conference call dial-in numbers are:
South Africa 0800 200 648 (toll-free)
UK 0808 162 4061 (toll-free)
Europe & Other +800 246 78 700 (toll-free) or +27 10 201 6800
Should you have any issues on the day with accessing the dial-in conference call, please call +27 11 535 3600.
A replay facility will be available until 31 October 2017. Dial in: +27 (0)11 305 2030.
Pin no: 17568#
Editors' notes
We are Mondi: In touch every day
At Mondi, our products protect and preserve the things that matter.
Mondi is an international packaging and paper Group, employing around 25,000 people across more than
30 countries. Our key operations are located in central Europe, Russia, North America and South Africa.
We offer over 100 packaging and paper products, customised into more than 100,000 different solutions for
customers, end consumers and industrial end uses - touching the lives of millions of people every day. In
2016, Mondi had revenues of EUR6.7 billion and a return on capital employed of 20.3%.
The Mondi Group is fully integrated across the packaging and paper value chain - from managing forests
and producing pulp, paper and compound plastics, to developing effective and innovative industrial and
consumer packaging solutions. Our innovative technologies and products can be found in a variety of
applications including hygiene components, stand-up pouches, superstrong cement bags, clever retail
boxes and office paper. Our key customers are in industries such as automotive; building and construction;
chemicals; food and beverage; home and personal care; medical and pharmaceutical; packaging and
paper converting; pet care; and office and professional printing.
Mondi has a dual listed company structure, with a primary listing on the JSE Limited for Mondi Limited
under the ticker code MND and a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange for Mondi plc, under the
ticker code MNDI.
For us, acting sustainably makes good business sense and is part of the way we work every day. We have
been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the JSE's Socially Responsible Investment
(SRI) Index since 2007.
Sponsor in South Africa: UBS South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Date: 11/10/2017 08:00:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE').
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