HUHTAMÄKI OYJ HALF-YEARLY REPORT 21.7.2017 AT 8.30
Huhtamäki Oyj's Half-yearly Report January 1-June 30, 2017: Net sales grew and profitability was at a good level
Q2 2017 in brief
- Net sales grew to EUR 772 million (EUR 742 million)
- Adjusted EBIT was EUR 75.6 million (EUR 77.8 million); EBIT EUR 75.6 million (EUR 77.6 million)
- Adjusted EPS was EUR 0.52 (EUR 0.54); EPS EUR 0.52 (EUR 0.53)
- Comparable net sales growth was 1% in total and -1% in emerging markets; Soft growth was due to significant net sales decline in India, where the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform had a temporary adverse impact on demand
- Currency movements had a positive impact of EUR 17 million on the Group's net sales and EUR 2 million on EBIT
H1 2017 in brief
- Net sales grew to EUR 1,511 million (EUR 1,414 million)
- Adjusted EBIT was EUR 138.4 million (EUR 135.6 million); EBIT EUR 138.4 million (EUR 135.4 million)
- Adjusted EPS was EUR 0.95 (EUR 0.94); EPS EUR 0.95 (EUR 0.93)
- Comparable net sales growth was 2% in total and 1% in emerging markets
- Currency movements had a positive impact of EUR 36 million on the Group's net sales and EUR 4 million on EBIT
- Capital expenditure increased to EUR 95 million (EUR 56 million) and free cash flow weakened to EUR -12 million (EUR 38 million)
Key figures
| EUR million | Q2 2017 | Q2 2016 | Change | H1 2017 | H1 2016 | Change | FY 2016 |
| Net sales | 771.9 | 742.0 | 4% | 1,511.3 | 1,414.3 | 7% | 2,865.0 |
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | 106.4 | 105.9 | 0% | 200.4 | 190.5 | 5% | 381.8 |
| Margin1 | 13.8% | 14.3% | 13.3% | 13.5% | 13.3% | ||
| EBITDA | 106.4 | 105.7 | 1% | 200.4 | 190.3 | 5% | 380.1 |
| Adjusted EBIT1 | 75.6 | 77.8 | -3% | 138.4 | 135.6 | 2% | 267.9 |
| Margin1 | 9.8% | 10.5% | 9.2% | 9.6% | 9.4% | ||
| EBIT | 75.6 | 77.6 | -3% | 138.4 | 135.4 | 2% | 266.2 |
| Adjusted EPS, EUR1 | 0.52 | 0.54 | -4% | 0.95 | 0.94 | 1% | 1.83 |
| EPS, EUR | 0.52 | 0.53 | -2% | 0.95 | 0.93 | 2% | 1.81 |
| ROI1 | 14.2% | 14.9% | 14.7% | ||||
| ROE1 | 16.9% | 18.3% | 17.7% | ||||
| Capital expenditure | 48.4 | 31.7 | 53% | 95.4 | 56.0 | 70% | 199.1 |
| Free cash flow | -3.0 | 12.0 | -125% | -11.8 | 37.6 | -131% | 100.3 |
1Excluding IAC of EUR -0.2 million in Q2 2016 and H1 2016, and EUR -1.7 million in FY 2016.
Unless otherwise stated, all comparisons in this report are compared to the corresponding period in 2016. Figures of return on investment (ROI), return on equity (ROE) and return on net assets (RONA) presented in this report are calculated on a 12-month rolling basis.
As announced on April 24, 2017, Huhtamaki has changed the name of its Molded Fiber business segment to Fiber Packaging. The new name is taken into use as of April 27, 2017 and is used in this report.
In this report, Huhtamaki uses alternative performance measures in accordance with the guidelines issued by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Alternative performance measures are derived from performance measures reported in accordance to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by adding or deducting the Items affecting comparability (IAC) and they are called Adjusted. Alternative performance measures are used to better reflect the operational business performance and to enhance comparability between financial periods. They are reported in addition to, but not substituting, the performance measures reported in accordance with IFRS.
Jukka Moisio, CEO:
"Our second quarter comparable net sales growth was 1%. In Europe our business grew well, driven by healthy demand. Quarterly growth in North America was modest due to capacity constraints, which we are addressing with on-going investments. The Flexible Packaging segment's net sales development was negative due to significant net sales decline in India, where the GST reform weakened demand temporarily. The Group's comparable growth in emerging markets was negative 1%, and without the Indian impact it would have been approx. 5%.
Our profitability was good and we had the second best quarter in the company history although we did not break the record achieved in Q2 2016. Profitability improved in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania segment and remained at the previous year level in the Fiber Packaging segment. The North America segment's earnings were good, even if not reaching the high of the second quarter in 2016. The Flexible Packaging segment's earnings were impacted by net sales decline in India.
In 2017, we pursue our growth strategy by building new capabilities to serve our customers better in 2018 and beyond. Our project in building a new manufacturing unit in Goodyear, Arizona, the U.S., is proceeding as planned. We will start to ramp up manufacturing of a full range of paper packaging products to the southwest and west coast markets towards the end of 2017. In addition, we expand in China by investing in our foodservice packaging operations in South China, and by acquiring two foodservice packaging units in Shanghai and Tianjin from International Paper. Despite temporary headwinds, particularly in India, we see good growth opportunities in food and drink packaging."
Financial review Q2 2017
The Group's comparable net sales growth was 1% during the quarter. Strong growth in the Fiber Packaging business segment continued, and positive development in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania and North America business segments supported the Group's comparable growth. The Flexible Packaging business segment's net sales development was negative due to significant net sales decline in India, where the GST reform temporarily weakened demand for flexible packaging. This drew the Group's comparable growth in emerging markets down to -1%. Growth was solid in Eastern Europe, and at a good level also in Southeast Asia. The Group's net sales grew to EUR 772 million (EUR 742 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group's net sales was EUR 17 million (EUR -28 million) compared to 2016 exchange rates. Majority of the positive impact came from the US dollar and Indian rupee, while the impact from pound sterling and certain emerging market currencies was negative.
Net sales by business segment
| EUR million | Q2 2017 | Q2 2016 | Change | Of Group in Q2 2017 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 205.4 | 193.9 | 6% | 27% |
| North America | 274.3 | 265.7 | 3% | 35% |
| Flexible Packaging | 224.0 | 220.5 | 2% | 29% |
| Fiber Packaging | 71.8 | 66.2 | 8% | 9% |
| Elimination of internal sales | -3.6 | -4.3 | ||
| Group | 771.9 | 742.0 | 4% |
Comparable growth by business segment
| Q2 2017 | Q1 2017 | Q4 2016 | Q3 2016 | |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 2% | 3% | 3% | 5% |
| North America | 1% | 2% | 5% | 2% |
| Flexible Packaging | -2% | 3% | -3% | -3% |
| Fiber Packaging | 8% | 4% | 6% | 6% |
| Group | 1% | 3% | 3% | 2% |
The Group's earnings declined, but remained at a good level. Earnings of the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment developed favorably, whereas the North America and Flexible Packaging business segments' earnings declined. The positive earnings impact of Other activities is mostly related to changes in the Group's long-term incentive plan expenses. The Group's Adjusted earnings before interests and taxes (EBIT) were EUR 75.6 million (EUR 77.8 million) and reported EBIT EUR 75.6 million (EUR 77.6 million). Foreign currency translation impacted the Group's profitability by EUR 2 million (EUR -3 million).
Adjusted EBIT by business segment
| EUR million | Q2 2017 | Q2 2016 | Change | Of Group in Q2 2017 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania1 | 18.4 | 17.6 | 5% | 25% |
| North America | 32.6 | 37.2 | -12% | 45% |
| Flexible Packaging | 14.0 | 19.1 | -27% | 19% |
| Fiber Packaging | 8.1 | 8.2 | -1% | 11% |
| Other activities | 2.5 | -4.3 | ||
| Group1 | 75.6 | 77.8 | -3% |
1Excluding IACs of EUR -0.2 million in Q2 2016; reported EBIT for Q2 2016 EUR 77.6 million for the Group and EUR 17.4 million for the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
Net financial expenses decreased to EUR 6 million (EUR 8 million). Tax expense was EUR 15 million (EUR 14 million).
Profit for the quarter was EUR 55 million (EUR 57 million). Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were EUR 0.52 (EUR 0.54) and reported EPS EUR 0.52 (EUR 0.53).
Financial review H1 2017
The Group's comparable net sales growth was 2% during the first half of the year with a positive contribution from all business segments. Comparable growth in emerging markets was 1%. Growth was strongest in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, while net sales declined significantly in India. The Group's net sales grew to EUR 1,511 million (EUR 1,414 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group's net sales was EUR 36 million (EUR -39 million) compared to 2016 exchange rates. The majority of the positive impact came from the US dollar, Russian ruble and Indian rupee, while the impact from pound sterling and certain emerging market currencies was negative.
Net sales by business segment
| EUR million | H1 2017 | H1 2016 | Change | Of Group in H1 2017 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 397.9 | 352.8 | 13% | 26% |
| North America | 521.6 | 500.9 | 4% | 34% |
| Flexible Packaging | 456.3 | 438.2 | 4% | 30% |
| Fiber Packaging | 144.1 | 131.7 | 9% | 10% |
| Elimination of internal sales | -8.6 | -9.3 | ||
| Group | 1,511.3 | 1,414.3 | 7% |
The Group's earnings grew. Good earnings improvement in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment was the main contributor to the earnings growth. The positive earnings impact of Other activities is mostly related to changes in the Group's long-term incentive plan expenses. The Group's Adjusted EBIT were EUR 138.4 million (EUR 135.6 million) and reported EBIT EUR 138.4 million (EUR 135.4 million). Foreign currency translation impacted the Group's profitability by EUR 4 million (EUR -4 million).
Adjusted EBIT by business segment
| EUR million | H1 2017 | H1 2016 | Change | Of Group in H1 2017 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania1 | 33.8 | 29.6 | 14% | 25% |
| North America | 55.1 | 58.0 | -5% | 40% |
| Flexible Packaging | 32.9 | 38.0 | -13% | 24% |
| Fiber Packaging | 15.4 | 16.4 | -6% | 11% |
| Other activities | 1.2 | -6.4 | ||
| Group1 | 138.4 | 135.6 | 2% |
1Excluding IACs of EUR -0.2 million in H1 2016; reported EBIT for H1 2016 EUR 135.4 million for the Group and EUR 29.4 million for the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
Net financial expenses decreased to EUR 11 million (EUR 13 million). Tax expense increased and was EUR 28 million (EUR 23 million). The corresponding tax rate was 22% (19%).
Profit for the period was EUR 100 million (EUR 99 million). Adjusted EPS were EUR 0.95 (EUR 0.94) and reported EPS EUR 0.95 (EUR 0.93).
Significant events during the reporting period
On March 3, 2017 Huhtamaki announced that it will set up a greenfield paper cup manufacturing unit in Kiev, Ukraine. The new unit will manufacture a full range of paper cups for cold and hot drinks. Manufacturing operations are expected to begin during 2018 and the unit is expected to employ approx. 50 employees. The unit will become part of the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
On April 21, 2017 Huhtamaki announced that it has agreed to sell one of its manufacturing facilities and the related land usage rights in Guangzhou, China, to Guangzhou Yashao Investment Co. Ltd. The sale is part of the ongoing consolidation of Huhtamaki's foodservice packaging manufacturing operations in South China. The selling price is approx. EUR 14 million. As a result of the sale, a gain of approx. EUR 6 million will be booked as an item affecting comparability (IAC) in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment once the transaction is closed.
On April 25, 2017 Huhtamaki announced that is has signed a freely transferable loan agreement (Schuldschein) of EUR 117 million and USD 35 million (approx. EUR 33 million). The loan is targeted to institutional investors. It includes several floating and fixed rate tranches with maturities of 5, 7 and 10 years. Huhtamaki will use the funds for refinancing and general corporate purposes of the Group.
Outlook for 2017
The Group's trading conditions are expected to remain relatively stable during 2017. The good financial position and ability to generate a positive cash flow will enable the Group to address profitable growth opportunities. Capital expenditure is expected to be approximately at the same level as in 2016 with the majority of the investments directed to business expansion.
Financial reporting in 2017
In 2017, Huhtamaki will publish financial information as follows:
Interim Report, January 1-September 30, 2017 October 26
This is a summary of Huhtamäki Oyj's Half-yearly Report January 1 - June 30, 2017. The complete report is attached to this release and is also available at the company website at www.huhtamaki.com (http://www.huhtamaki.com).
For further information, please contact:
Jukka Moisio, CEO, tel. +358 10 686 7801
Thomas Geust, CFO, tel. +358 10 686 7880
HUHTAMÄKI OYJ
Group Communications
Huhtamaki is a global specialist in packaging for food and drink. With our network of 76 manufacturing units and additional 24 sales only offices in altogether 34 countries, we're well placed to support our customers' growth wherever they operate. Mastering three distinctive packaging technologies, approximately 17,400 employees develop and make packaging that helps great products reach more people, more easily. In 2016 our net sales totaled EUR 2.9 billion. The Group has its head office in Espoo, Finland and the parent company Huhtamäki Oyj is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Additional information is available at www.huhtamaki.com (http://www.huhtamaki.com).
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Huhtamäki Oyj via Globenewswire
