| Thu 25 Feb 2016, 9:54 | | MND MNP Full year results for the year ended 31 De |
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MONDI LIMITED - Full year results for the year end 25 Feb 2016
MND MNP 201602250021A
Full year results for the year ended 31 December 2015
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)
JSE share code: MNP ISIN: GB00B1CRLC47
LSE share code: MNDI
25 February 2016
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 and Transparency and Listing Rules of the United Kingdom Listing Authority.
Full year results for the year ended 31 December 2015
Highlights
- Excellent financial performance
- Significant profit improvements across all business units
- Underlying operating profit of EUR957 million, up 25%
- Underlying earnings of 133.7 euro cents per share, up 25%
- Cash generated from operations of EUR1,279 million, up 24%
- Return on capital employed of 20.5%
- Capital projects delivering growth
- Completed major projects delivering to plan, contributing incremental EUR50 million to underlying operating profit in
2015
- Strong capital investment pipeline: EUR450 million in major projects approved and in progress
- Ongoing portfolio optimisation and refinement
- Acquisitions totalling EUR94 million to enhance product offering in Consumer Packaging
- Closure of six operations and sale of a further four operations to optimise cost structures and refine product mix
- Significant progress made against our five-year sustainable development commitments
- Recommended full year dividend of 52.0 euro cents per share, up 24%
Financial Summary
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million, except for percentages and per share measures 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Group revenue 6,819 6,402 7 3,360 3,254 3
Underlying EBITDA(1) 1,325 1,126 18 654 573 14
Underlying operating profit(1) 957 767 25 467 390 20
Operating profit 900 728 24 449 354 27
Profit before tax 796 619 29 404 307 32
Per share measures
Basic underlying earnings per share(1) (euro cents) 133.7 107.3 25
Basic earnings per share (euro cents) 124.0 97.4 27
Total dividend per share (euro cents) 52.0 42.0 24
Cash generated from operations 1,279 1,033 24
Net debt 1,498 1,613
Group return on capital employed (ROCE)(2) 20.5% 17.2%
Notes:
1 The Group presents underlying EBITDA, operating profit and related per share information as measures which exclude special items in order
to provide a more effective comparison of the underlying financial performance of the Group between financial reporting periods.
A reconciliation of underlying operating profit to profit before tax is provided in note 3 of the condensed financial statements.
2 ROCE is underlying profit expressed as a percentage of the average capital employed for the year, adjusted for impairments and spend
on strategic projects which are not yet in operation.
David Hathorn, Mondi Group chief executive, said:
"2015 was an extremely successful year for Mondi. We made significant progress across a number of key areas and
again delivered excellent results. Our focus continues to be on growing the packaging side of our business while at the
same time investing appropriately in our uncoated fine paper operations.
It is very pleasing to see the strong contribution from all our business units, driven by generally higher selling prices,
volume growth, good cost control and important contributions from recently completed capital projects.
We continue to make good progress in driving growth through our capital investment programme, delivering incremental
operating profit of around EUR50 million from major capital projects in 2015, with a further EUR60 million anticipated in 2016.
The Boards recently approved a EUR310 million investment in a new 300,000 tonne per annum kraft top white machine at our
Ružomberok mill in Slovakia, adding to our strong pipeline of major projects approved and in development, now totalling
around EUR450 million. Acquisitions of EUR94 million during the year further enhance our product offering in the high-growth
consumer packaging segment.
Our outlook for the business remains positive. While we are currently seeing some softness in certain of our packaging
paper grades, we are also seeing firmer prices in the European uncoated fine paper markets following recent industry
capacity rationalisation. In addition, lower energy and related input costs, the generally positive impact of weaker
emerging market currencies and the incremental contribution from recently completed major capital projects are
expected to benefit the Group's performance in the near term.
Underpinned by the Group's robust business model, centred around our high-quality, low-cost asset base, clear strategic
focus and culture of continuous improvement, we remain confident of continuing to deliver an industry-leading
performance."
Overview
2015 was an extremely successful year for the Group. We achieved excellent results on all key metrics and the strong contribution
from all our business units is testament to our consistent strategy, robust business model and high-quality, low-cost asset base.
Group revenue of EUR6,819 million was 7% above the prior year. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals, revenue was up
3.9%, driven by generally higher domestic selling prices in the upstream paper businesses and good volume gains in
Containerboard, Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging. Currency movements also had a net positive effect on revenue.
Our underlying operating profit of EUR957 million was up 25% on the prior year. Packaging Paper delivered another very strong
performance, supported by higher selling prices and volume growth in Containerboard, the benefits of completed capital
investments and positive currency effects. Fibre Packaging benefited from higher gross margins, currency benefits and the
contribution from recently completed investments. We have made steady progress in repositioning Consumer Packaging, with
good volume growth in higher value-added segments leading to margin expansion. Our Uncoated Fine Paper business benefited
from domestic selling price increases and contributions from capital investments, which more than offset the negative currency
effects from the weaker rouble. Our South Africa Division delivered strong results through higher selling prices, good cost control
and currency benefits.
In 2015 we continued to seek out and exploit opportunities for value-enhancing growth and cost optimisation through a
combination of capital investments, acquisitions and asset rationalisation. We completed the acquisitions of Ascania nonwoven
Germany GmbH and KSP, Co. (South Korea and Thailand) during the second half of the year, broadening our product portfolio and
expanding our geographic reach in the fast growing Consumer Packaging business. In our continued efforts to improve
performance, we took the decision to close our speciality kraft mill at Lohja (Finland), two Consumer Packaging plants in Italy and
Spain, and three Industrial Bags plants in the US and Germany. We also sold three Consumer Packaging plants, two in Malaysia
and one in Germany and a recycled containerboard mill at Raubling (Germany). These actions allow us to focus on those
operations where we enjoy sustainable market and/or cost advantages.
Our capital investments completed during 2014 and 2015 contributed strongly to underlying operating profit. The incremental
operating profit from these projects amounted to around EUR50 million in 2015. We expect a further incremental contribution from
major projects of around EUR60 million in 2016.
Input costs were generally lower across most of our operations. Central European wood costs were lower than the prior year given
reduced industry consumption and stable supply. In Russia, higher domestic wood costs were more than offset by the weaker
rouble. Benchmark paper for recycling costs were around 7% higher on average than the prior year, with prices increasing in the
second half of the year. Energy costs were significantly lower than the prior year due to lower average crude oil, gas and coal
prices, together with the benefits of our energy related investments completed in 2014. Polyethylene prices were highly volatile in
2015, but were, on average, at similar levels to the prior year. Currently favourable cost conditions, combined with our ongoing
productivity improvements and strong cost control should provide further benefits in 2016.
Volatility in foreign exchange rates had a significant impact on the performance of the different divisions, although the net impact
on the Group was minimal. The 34% weakening of the rouble against the euro had a net negative impact on translation of the
profits of our domestically focused Russian uncoated fine paper business, although this was more than offset by domestic selling
price increases and the transactional benefits from our export orientated Russian packaging paper operations. The stronger US
dollar had a net positive impact on US dollar denominated sales, particularly in our Fibre and Consumer Packaging businesses
and our South Africa Division. Going into the new year, our export oriented businesses in emerging Europe and South Africa are
benefiting from margin expansion as a result of the recent weakness in emerging market currencies.
The impact of maintenance shuts on underlying operating profit in 2015, which included a number of longer project related shuts,
was in line with expectations at around EUR90 million. In 2016, based on prevailing market prices, we estimate that the impact of
planned maintenance shuts on underlying operating profit will reduce to around EUR70 million.
Our cash generation remained strong with cash generated from operations of EUR1,279 million up 24% on the prior year. Net debt
reduced by EUR115 million to EUR1,498 million, or 1.1 times EBITDA.
Underlying earnings of 133.7 euro cents per share were up 25% compared to 2014.
Our Boards have recommended payment of a final dividend of 37.62 euro cents per share, bringing the total dividend for the year
to 52.0 euro cents per share, an increase of 24% on 2014.
Packaging Paper (Europe & International Division)
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Segment revenue 2,156 2,043 6 1,034 1,021 1
Underlying EBITDA 505 443 14 239 227 5
Underlying operating profit 391 342 14 180 175 3
Underlying operating profit margin 18.1% 16.7% 17.4% 17.1%
Special items (14) (6) — (6)
Capital expenditure 259 259 155 143
Net segment assets 1,753 1,588
ROCE 25.5% 23.7%
Our Packaging Paper business delivered another very strong performance with underlying operating profit increasing by 14% to
EUR391 million and ROCE increasing to 25.5%. The improvements were delivered through volume growth, higher selling prices,
generally lower input costs, the benefits of completed capital investments and positive currency effects.
European demand for containerboard is estimated to have grown 4.1% in 2015, with virgin grades growing by 4.7% and recycled
grades by 3.9%. Demand in Russia and the other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was stable. Our total
containerboard sales volumes grew by 1.2%, driven by operational debottlenecking, with all operations running at capacity.
Average European benchmark selling prices for unbleached kraftliner were up 4.4% on 2014 levels, with a series of price
increases implemented during the year before some moderate price erosion towards the end of the year. White-top kraftliner prices
were relatively stable during the year, with the average benchmark price marginally up compared to 2014.
Average benchmark recycled containerboard prices were up 0.9% on the prior year. Price increases were implemented in the
second half of the year and closing prices were 3.4% higher than the average price for the year.
Recent capacity increases in the European virgin containerboard market, coupled with an increase in imports from certain
emerging markets benefiting from weaker currencies versus the euro, have resulted in downward pressure on selling prices. In the
early part of 2016, selling prices for the Group's unbleached kraftliner grades sold into Europe declined by an average of around
EUR20-EUR25/tonne, while white-top kraftliner prices were EUR10-EUR15/tonne lower. A 10% increase in the domestic Russian market was
implemented for white-top containerboard in February.
Sales volumes of sack kraft paper were up 10.4%, benefiting from the ramp-up of the 155,000 tonne per annum bleached kraft
paper machine in Štetí (Czech Republic), commissioned in 2014 and forward integrating pulp that was previously sold in the open
market; and the full year contribution from the Pine Bluff, Arkansas (US) mill acquired in mid 2014.
Selling prices for sack kraft paper in Europe declined at the beginning of 2015, giving up much of the gains achieved in the second
half of 2014. Thereafter prices remained stable for most of the year, and average prices were broadly in line with those of the prior
year. In export markets, a combination of a slowdown in construction activity in certain south east Asian markets and political
instability in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa had a negative effect on demand in the second half of the year.
Seasonal weakness towards the end of the year also impacted European markets. As a result, in early 2016, average selling
prices for sack kraft paper produced in Europe have reduced by approximately 5-6%.
We saw good demand for our speciality grades of kraft paper, with higher selling prices on average than the prior year, although
sales volumes were negatively impacted by the closure of the Lohja mill in Finland. Selling prices remain stable in the early part of
2016.
The full year contributions of our projects completed in 2014, including the Syktyvkar (Russia) pulp dryer and rebuilt bleached kraft
paper machine in Štetí, contributed significantly to our performance. The completion of our new recovery boiler in Swiecie
(Poland), conversion of the existing boiler to a biofuel boiler and closure of the coal fired boilers contributed to lower energy costs
in the second half of the year.
Input costs were generally lower than in 2014 as a result of various cost savings initiatives and lower market prices. Wood,
chemicals and biofuel costs were all lower and in Syktyvkar, the weaker rouble more than offset domestic inflationary cost
increases. Paper for recycling costs were, on average, 7% higher than in 2014, with significant increases experienced during the
third quarter of the year before decreasing again towards the end of the year. Income from green energy was lower than the prior
year due to lower market prices and volumes sold.
Planned annual maintenance shuts of our Swiecie, Dynäs (Sweden) and Stambolijski (Bulgaria) mills were completed in the first
half of the year with the balance of shuts taking place in the second half of the year. In 2016, the maintenance shuts of our Swiecie
and Syktyvkar mills are scheduled to take place in the middle of the year and our kraft paper mill shuts are scheduled for the fourth
quarter.
Fibre Packaging (Europe & International Division)
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Segment revenue 2,031 1,852 10 985 984 —
Underlying EBITDA 187 166 13 86 88 (2)
Underlying operating profit 120 102 18 52 54 (4)
Underlying operating profit margin 5.9% 5.5% 5.3% 5.5%
Special items (21) (16) (11) (9)
Capital expenditure 118 77 60 47
Net segment assets 935 875
ROCE 13.9% 13.4%
Underlying operating profit of EUR120 million reflected an 18% increase on the prior year, with ROCE increasing to 13.9%.
Continuous improvements in underlying operating performance, acquisitions and currency gains contributed to our performance.
On a like-for-like basis, sales volumes in Corrugated Packaging were 3.3% higher than the prior year, with good volume growth in
Poland and the Czech Republic and stable volumes in central Europe and Turkey. Margins were supported through innovative
customer solutions, high-quality service and the benefits of restructuring activities completed in 2014. We invested in a number of
new converting machines to improve our customer offering, especially in the higher-value product segments, and these
investments have contributed to our improved performance. We have planned further similar investments to take advantage of
these growing markets. Profitability of the Turkish business was negatively impacted by ongoing political turbulence in the region
affecting demand growth, domestic cost inflation and the weaker Turkish lira. In February 2016, we announced our intentions to
acquire SIMET S.A., a corrugated plant in Poznan (Poland), and upgrade the plant to a high-efficiency box plant, improving our
customer offering and supporting the strong growth in this region.
In Industrial Bags, sales volumes were up 11% on the prior year, benefiting from the full year contribution of our US bags business,
acquired in 2014, and good volume growth in the Middle East and Africa which, combined with a number of innovative new
products, more than offset softer European markets. Selling prices were higher than the previous year and we saw currency gains
from sales in our US dollar based markets. We completed various commercial excellence projects, generating cost savings and
productivity improvements. A one-off gain from the sale of land and buildings in Italy also contributed to the improved results.
Our focus on improving the product portfolio in Extrusion Coatings resulted in positive gains from product mix effects, further
supported by good cost management.
Consumer Packaging (Europe & International Division)
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Segment revenue 1,469 1,379 7 739 694 6
Underlying EBITDA 177 158 12 94 89 6
Underlying operating profit 108 96 13 59 57 4
Underlying operating profit margin 7.4% 7.0% 8.0% 8.2%
Special items (22) (17) (7) (21)
Capital expenditure 92 80 42 45
Net segment assets 1,146 1,021
ROCE 10.7% 10.4%
A 13% increase in underlying operating profit to EUR108 million and the improvement in ROCE to 10.7% reflect the steady progress
we have made in repositioning our Consumer Packaging business to take advantage of value-added growth opportunities.
Volume growth was supported by the ramp-up of the Chinese plant, opened in early 2014, and the Polish start-up acquired in July
2014. In line with our strategy, good progress was made in our ongoing initiatives to improve the product mix. Strong volume
growth was achieved in our higher value-added segments of hygiene components, consumer laminates and bags, while we have
further reduced our exposure to a number of lower value-added products. Margins were further boosted by the benefits from
various commercial excellence activities.
During 2015, we took a number of steps to accelerate the repositioning of the business. The closures of the operations in Spain
and Italy and the sale of plants in Malaysia and Germany reduced our exposure to lower value-added and/or higher-cost
production. The acquisitions of Ascania nonwoven Germany GmbH and KSP, Co., completed during the second half of the year,
increase the Group's exposure to high-growth, high value-added segments. Ascania is a key supplier to our business, producing
nonwoven fabrics and composites used as components in personal care products. KSP, Co. has operations in South Korea and
Thailand, specialising in the production of high-quality spouted and retort stand-up pouches for the food, pet food and beverage
industries, offering an excellent fit with our existing stand-up pouch operations in Austria and the US.
Capital investment has been focused on achieving incremental improvements in our existing operations. Commercial excellence
activities have contributed to improved operating profit margins in the short term, while at the same time ensuring that the business
is correctly positioned to take advantage of future growth opportunities. These activities have focused on improved sales
infrastructure, material usage and efficiency, leveraging the purchasing power of the Group, improving productivity and enhancing
the innovation process.
Uncoated Fine Paper (Europe & International Division)
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Segment revenue 1,233 1,240 (1) 607 594 2
Underlying EBITDA 291 238 22 139 111 25
Underlying operating profit 212 148 43 99 68 46
Underlying operating profit margin 17.2% 11.9% 16.3% 11.4%
Capital expenditure 65 117 33 58
Net segment assets 821 922
ROCE 25.6% 16.1%
Our Uncoated Fine Paper business generated underlying operating profit of EUR212 million, up 43% on the prior year, with a ROCE of
25.6%. Higher selling prices in the CIS, including Russia, lower input costs across the business and contributions from capital
investments more than offset the negative currency effects, primarily from the weaker rouble.
Our uncoated fine paper sales volumes increased by 1.7% over the prior year, reflecting market share gains in an overall declining
market. European demand was stable, while in the CIS, including Russia, demand contracted by an estimated 4%. The business
also benefited from increased sales of market pulp following the investments completed in 2014 at the Ružomberok mill to improve
energy efficiencies and increase pulp production.
Benchmark average selling prices in Europe were down 0.7% on average over the prior year, but 1.9% up comparing the second
half of the year to the first half. Selling price increases were implemented in April and September in a tight market, supported by
significant capacity rationalisation through conversions and closures and stable demand. We have successfully implemented a
further price increase of up to 4% in European markets from January 2016.
Selling prices were increased in Russia at the beginning of the year and again in the fourth quarter offsetting the effects of
domestic cost inflation. Price increases were implemented during February 2016 with further increases announced for
implementation in April 2016.
Overall the business benefited from generally lower input costs, with wood, chemical and energy costs all declining. In Russia,
higher prices in local currency were more than offset by the rouble devaluation. Our commercial excellence programmes, focused
on purchased material, operating efficiencies and productivity improvements, also contributed to good cost control. The benefits of
our new recovery boiler at the Ružomberok mill, completed in October 2014, were fully realised during the year. Hardwood pulp
prices were however significantly higher in euro terms, up around 26%, negatively impacting the profitability of the semi-integrated
Neusiedler (Austria) operations.
We completed our planned maintenance shuts during the third quarter of 2015. In 2016, the maintenance shuts of our
Ružomberok and Syktyvkar mills are planned for the first half of the year.
In February 2016 we agreed to sell our Neusiedler operations to one of our subsidiaries, Mondi SCP a.s. (which owns and
operates our Ružomberok mill), reducing our effective ownership in Neusiedler to 51%. The transaction enables Neusiedler
and Ružomberok to better align and optimise their product portfolio and production capacity.
South Africa Division
Six months Six months
Year ended 31 Year ended 31 ended 31 ended 31
December December Change December December Change
EUR million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Segment revenue 652 596 9 338 312 8
Underlying EBITDA 199 153 30 110 75 47
Underlying operating profit 161 112 44 92 54 70
Underlying operating profit margin 24.7% 18.8% 27.2% 17.3%
Capital expenditure 61 29 29 20
Net segment assets 563 626
ROCE 30.1% 21.9%
Our South Africa Division's underlying operating profit increased 44% to EUR161 million and ROCE improved to 30.1%. Higher selling
prices, good cost control, forestry revaluation gains and currency benefits more than offset domestic cost inflation.
Sales volumes were marginally lower than the previous year as a result of an extended planned maintenance shut at our Richards
Bay mill. Strong domestic demand for uncoated fine paper was met by reducing export volumes into the rest of Africa, while export
volumes of pulp were increased due to favourable export pricing and weaker domestic demand.
Selling prices for pulp and white-top containerboard were higher on average than in the previous year for both our domestic market
and exports. For uncoated fine paper, domestic prices were higher on average while US dollar export prices were lower. Significant
currency gains were realised from the effect of the stronger US dollar and euro on export sales volumes. Selling price increases
were implemented in early 2016 in certain domestic uncoated fine paper segments.
Above inflationary price increases in labour and electricity and the impact of the weaker South African rand on imported materials
put pressure on our input costs. However, a continued focus on improving productivity, driving efficiencies and reducing waste
ensured that fixed cost increases were limited.
Forestry gains are dependent on a variety of factors over which we have limited control. In 2015, selling prices of timber increased
which, combined with the benefit of the lower average crude oil price, resulted in a fair value gain of EUR40 million (2014: EUR34 million)
being recognised, of which EUR23 million was recognised in the first half of the year. We also benefited from land sales as we sought
to further optimise our forestry operations.
The planned maintenance shut at Richards Bay took place during the first half of 2015. In 2016, a shorter shut is planned, again for
the first half of the year.
Tax
Based on the Group's geographic profit mix and the relevant tax rates applicable, we would expect our tax rate to be around 22%.
However, we benefited from tax incentives related to our capital investments in Slovakia, Poland and Russia. In addition, we
recognised deferred tax assets related to previously unrecognised tax losses which we now expect to be able to utilise in the
coming years. As such, our tax charge for 2015 of EUR161 million reflects an effective tax rate for 2015 of 19%, consistent with 2014.
Tax paid in 2015 was EUR160 million (2014: EUR106 million) as a result of the increased profitability and the timing of final tax payments
for the 2014 and earlier financial years.
Going forward, in the absence of further investment related tax incentives and assuming a similar profit mix, we would anticipate
marginal upward pressure on the tax rate over the next three years as it moves towards the expected tax rate of 22%.
Special items
Special items are those items of financial performance that we believe should be separately disclosed to assist in the
understanding of our underlying financial performance. Special items are considered to be material either in nature or in amount.
The net special item charge of EUR57 million before tax comprised the following:
- Restructuring and closure costs of EUR45 million and related impairments of EUR4 million for the closures of our Lohja kraft
paper mill in Finland, a Consumer Packaging operation in Spain and four Industrial Bags plants
- EUR8 million write off of a receivable and provision for settlement of a legal case relating to the 2012 Nordenia acquisition
Further detail is provided in note 4 of our condensed combined and consolidated financial statements.
Treasury and borrowings
Net debt at 31 December 2015 was down EUR115 million compared to the prior year at EUR1,498 million, reflecting our strong cash
generating capacity and despite an increase in capital expenditure on major projects.
The weighted average maturity of our Eurobonds and committed debt facilities was 3.6 years at 31 December 2015. At the end of
the year, EUR598 million of our EUR2 billion committed debt facilities remained undrawn.
In May 2015, Standard & Poor's upgraded our credit rating from BBB- to BBB (stable outlook). This follows the upgrade of our
credit rating by Moody's Investors Service to Baa2 in October 2014.
Gearing at 31 December 2015 was 32.0% and our net debt to 12 month trailing EBITDA ratio was 1.1 times, well within our key
financial covenant requirement of 3.5 times.
Net finance costs of EUR105 million were EUR8 million higher than the previous year. Average net debt of EUR1,650 million was similar to
the prior year and our effective interest rate increased to 6.3% (2014: 5.4%), primarily as a result of certain one-off effects and
sharply higher interest rates in Russia.
Cash flow
In 2015, the cash generated from our operations was EUR1,279 million. On average over the last five years, our cash generated from
operations has increased by 8.7% per year.
Working capital as a percentage of revenue was 11.6%, marginally below our revised targeted range of 12-14% and down on the
prior year (12.3%). We have increased our targeted average working capital range to reflect the increased contribution from our
more working capital intensive Industrial Bags and Consumer Packaging businesses as we continue to grow our downstream
packaging interests. The net cash inflow from movements in working capital during the year was EUR9 million (2014: outflow of
EUR87 million).
We paid dividends of EUR209 million to shareholders (2014: EUR193 million). Interest paid of EUR93 million (2014: EUR125 million) was lower
than the prior year, largely due to the refinancing in July 2014 of the 9.75% EUR280 million bond, assumed as part of the acquisition
of Nordenia in 2012.
Dividends paid to holders of non-controlling interests in the Group's subsidiaries increased in 2015, primarily due to the increased
dividend from the 51% held Ružomberok operations.
In 2015, we invested EUR595 million in capital expenditure and completed a number of smaller acquisitions with a total purchase
price, on a debt and cash free basis, of EUR94 million.
Capital investments
While acquisition-led growth remains a key component of our strategy, and we continue to evaluate opportunities as they arise, we
have been deterred in a number of instances by, in our view, inflated asset prices. We anticipate that there will be further
opportunities for value-accretive acquisitions as the availability of cheap financing decreases and asset prices become potentially
more attractive. In the meantime, we continue to see greater opportunity for value-enhancing growth through capital investments in
our existing operations.
Our completed major capital investment projects have delivered an incremental underlying operating profit contribution of
approximately EUR100 million over the past two years. In 2015, we continued to make good progress on a number of major projects.
These include:
- The EUR166 million Swiecie recovery and biofuel boiler project in Poland, which started up as planned in the second half of
2015. This first phase involved a new recovery boiler, new turbine and conversion of the existing recovery boiler to a
biofuel boiler to replace the existing coal boilers. The project was designed to deliver a reduction in ongoing maintenance
costs, an improvement in overall efficiencies, a reduction in CO2e emissions, full electricity self-sufficiency of the mill and
valuable options for further growth.
- The EUR94 million second phase of the Swiecie investment will provide an additional 100,000 tonnes per annum of softwood
pulp and 80,000 tonnes per annum of lightweight virgin containerboard, ensuring full utilisation of the new recovery
boiler's capacity. This project remains on track for completion in early 2017.
- The ramp-up of the rebuilt paper and inline coating machine at Štetí in the Czech Republic was slower than anticipated,
but is now progressing in line with the revised plan.
- In our South Africa Division, the two major projects are progressing according to plan and we expect them to be
completed in the latter part of 2016. They involve upgrading the woodyard at Richards Bay and providing the mill with the
capacity to produce unbleached kraftliner in addition to the current white-top kraftliner.
- In our Corrugated Packaging business we invested in a number of new converting machines across our operations,
improving our customer offering, especially in the higher-value product segments in the growing markets where we
operate. These investments are delivering strong returns and the Boards have approved further similar investments.
- A number of smaller projects were completed or are in progress, primarily focused on our Packaging Paper and Fibre and
Consumer Packaging operations.
The incremental operating profit expected from major projects in 2016 is around EUR60 million (2015: EUR50 million), further
demonstrating the benefits that arise from these high-return investments.
In addition to those projects already in development for start-up over the coming two years, the Boards have recently approved an
investment of EUR310 million in a new 300,000 tonne per annum kraft top white machine at our Ružomberok mill in Slovakia and
related pulp mill upgrades, subject to obtaining approval for various tax incentives from the European Commission and necessary
permitting. The project offers low-cost production in a fast growing sub-segment of the containerboard market. Based on the current
timetable, significant capital expenditure on the project is only expected to start in 2017, with the new board machine expected to
start production in 2019.
We have a strong pipeline of projects under consideration for implementation in the medium term. These projects include:
- replacement of the recovery boiler at our Štetí mill in the Czech Republic as part of a debottlenecking and optimisation
project; and
- the installation of a 90,000 tonne per annum kraft paper machine at one of our central European operations with
integrated pulp capacity, producing machine glazed paper to replace capacity reductions as a result of the closure of the
Lohja mill and conversions to other grades at the Štetí mill.
We anticipate being in a position to make a final investment decision on these projects during the course of 2016.
Given the current approved project pipeline, annual capital expenditure is expected to be in the range of EUR400-EUR450 million per
annum over the next two years.
Sustainable development
Our long-term success is dependent on our ability to integrate sustainability across the business. In 2011 we identified six material
issues and defined 35 commitments to guide our work to 2015. We are proud of the progress we've made across all areas, having
successfully delivered on almost all our 2015 commitments.
The safety of our people is of particular importance to Mondi. In 2015 our operations continued to make good progress in
eliminating their Top 5 Fatal Risks and we have seen a significant improvement in our total recordable case rate. We did however
experience one fatality and three life-altering injuries, highlighting the need for us to remain vigilant and keep safety right at the top
of all our people's minds.
Over the course of 2015 we conducted an inclusive and comprehensive review of our material issues and have defined a new set
of commitments for delivery over the next five years, centred on 10 action areas. Our new action areas are focused on providing a
safe, healthy, fair and inspiring workplace for our people; considering climate change, constrained resources and environmental
impacts in our business decisions; ensuring our fibre sources are sustainable; adding value to our communities; promoting
responsibility in our supply chain; and developing products that create value for our customers.
Dividend
The Boards' aim is to offer shareholders long-term dividend growth within a targeted dividend cover range of two to three times
over the business cycle. Given our strong financial position and the Boards' stated objective to increase distributions to
shareholders through the ordinary dividend, the Boards have recommended an increase in the final dividend.
The Boards of Mondi Limited and Mondi plc have recommended a final dividend of 37.62 euro cents per share (2014: 28.77 euro
cents per share), payable on 19 May 2016 to shareholders on the register on 22 April 2016. Together with the interim dividend of
14.38 euro cents per share, paid on 15 September 2015, this amounts to a total dividend for the year of 52.0 euro cents per share.
In 2014, the total dividend for the year was 42.0 euro cents per share.
The final dividend is subject to the approval of the shareholders of Mondi Limited and Mondi plc at the respective Annual General
Meetings scheduled for 12 May 2016.
Outlook
Our outlook for the business remains positive. While we are currently seeing some softness in certain of our packaging paper
grades, we are also seeing firmer prices in the European uncoated fine paper markets following recent industry capacity
rationalisation. In addition, lower energy and related input costs, the generally positive impact of weaker emerging market
currencies and the incremental contribution from recently completed major capital projects are expected to benefit the Group's
performance in the near term.
Underpinned by the Group's robust business model, centred around our high-quality, low-cost asset base, clear strategic focus and
culture of continuous improvement, we remain confident of continuing to deliver an industry-leading performance.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Boards are responsible for the effectiveness of the Group's risk management activities and internal control processes. The
Boards have put in place procedures for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks that the Group faces.
The executive committee, audit committee and Boards conduct an annual review of the most significant risks and uncertainties
faced by the Group, including how these risks are monitored and managed. Risk management is embedded in all decision-making
processes, with ongoing review by the Boards of the Group's risks throughout the year as well as risk assessments being
conducted as part of all investment decisions. A number of our most significant risks are long-term in nature and do not tend to
change significantly from year to year as they are linked to our strategy.
We aim to manage risk within the risk management framework and accepted tolerance limits which are determined by the Boards
in relation to our strategy. Risks, if they develop positively, may lead to opportunities. Our business units are managed locally and
are responsible for implementing their own risk management policies and procedures within the framework approved by the
Boards. Our business units also play a critical role in the identification of emerging risks. Certain more specialised risk areas such
as information security, sustainable development, safety and health, legal, treasury and tax are managed centrally, allowing more
effective coordination.
Risk management is by nature a dynamic and ongoing process. Our approach is flexible, to ensure that it remains relevant at all
levels of the business; and dynamic to ensure we can be responsive to changing business conditions. This is particularly important
given the diversity of the Group's locations, markets and production processes.
Over the course of the past year, the audit committee has reviewed each of the principal risks set out below. In evaluating the
Group's risk management and internal control processes, the committee has considered both internal and external audit reports
and received confirmation from the finance heads of the business units that financial control frameworks have operated
satisfactorily.
The Boards are satisfied that the Group has effective systems and controls in place to manage its key risks within the risk
tolerance levels established by the Boards.
Industry capacity
Plant utilisation levels are the main driver of profitability in paper mills. New capacity additions are usually in large increments
which, through their impact on the supply/demand balance, influence market prices. Unless market growth exceeds capacity
additions, excess capacity may lead to lower selling prices. In our converting operations, newer technology may lower operating
costs and provide increased product functionality impacting margins.
We monitor industry developments in terms of changes in capacity as well as trends and developments in our own product
markets. Our strategic focus on low-cost production and innovation activities to produce higher value-added products, combined
with our focus on growing markets and consistent investment in our operating capacity, ensures that we remain competitive.
Product substitution
Changing global socio-economic and demographic trends and increased public awareness of sustainability challenges affect the
demand for Mondi's products. Customers' needs and purchasing power are changing in emerging markets.
Factors that impact the demand for our products include reduced weight of packaging materials; increased use of recycled
materials; electronic substitution of paper products; increased demand for high-quality printed material; certified and responsibly
produced goods; and specific material qualities.
Our ability to meet changes in consumer demand depends on our capacity to correctly anticipate change and develop new
products on a sustainable, competitive and cost-effective basis. Our focus is on products enjoying positive substitution dynamics
and growing regional markets. We work with our customers to develop new markets and new products. Our broad range of
converting products provides some protection from the effects of substitution between paper and plastic-based packaging
products.
Fluctuations and variability in selling prices and gross margins
Our selling prices are determined by changes in capacity and by demand for our products, which are, in turn, influenced by
macroeconomic conditions, consumer spending preferences and inventory levels maintained by our customers. Changes in prices
differ between products and geographic regions and the timing and magnitude of such changes have varied significantly over time.
Our strategic focus is on higher growth markets and products where we enjoy a competitive advantage through innovation,
proximity or a production cost advantage. We continue to invest in our high-quality, low-cost production assets to ensure we
maintain our competitive cost position. Our high levels of vertical integration reduce our exposure to price volatility of our key input
costs. Our financial policies and structures are designed taking the inherent price volatility of the markets in which we operate into
consideration.
Country risk
We have production operations across more than 30 countries, a number of which are in jurisdictions where the political, economic
and legal systems are less predictable than in countries with more developed institutional structures. Political or economic
upheaval, inflation, changes in laws, nationalisation or expropriation of assets may have a material effect on our operations in
those countries.
Areas of weaker governance also present the challenge of addressing potential human rights issues in our operations and supply
chain. From a human capital perspective, we face different demographic and social conditions in the countries we operate in,
affecting the availability of skills and talent for the Group.
We actively monitor all countries and environments in which we operate. We engage in regular formal and informal interaction with
the authorities to ensure we remain abreast of any new developments.
New investments are subject to rigorous strategic and commercial evaluation.
We actively engage with our employees, communities and other stakeholders for a better understanding of the local socio-
economic conditions and development needs.
Our geographic diversity and decentralised management structure, utilising local resources in countries in which we operate,
reduces our exposure to any specific jurisdiction.
Cost and availability of responsibly produced wood, pulp and paper for recycling
Wood, pulp and paper for recycling comprise approximately a third of our input costs. We have access to our own sources of wood
in Russia and South Africa and we purchase wood, pulp and paper for recycling to meet our needs in the balance of our
operations. Wood prices and availability may be adversely affected by reduced quantities of available wood supply that meet our
standards for Chain-of-Custody certified or FSC-controlled wood, and initiatives to promote the use of woody biomass from
residues of pulp and paper processes as a renewable energy source.
We are committed to acquiring fibre from sustainable, responsible sources and avoiding the use of any controversial or illegal
supply. The sustainable management of our forestry operations is key in managing our overall environmental impact, helping to
protect ecosystems and develop resilient landscapes. We have built strong forestry management resources in Russia and South
Africa to actively monitor and manage our wood resources in those countries.
We have multiple suppliers for each of our mills and actively pursue longer term agreements with strategic suppliers of wood, pulp
and paper for recycling. We are involved in multi-stakeholder processes to address challenges in meeting the global demand for
sustainable, responsible fibre.
Energy security and related input costs
Energy and related input costs comprise approximately a third of our variable costs.
Mondi is a significant consumer of electricity, which we generate internally and purchase from external suppliers. Where we don't
generate electricity from biomass and by-products of our production processes, we are dependent on external suppliers for raw
materials such as gas, oil and coal.
As an energy-intensive business, we face potential physical and regulatory risks related to climate change. We monitor our
electricity usage, carbon emission levels and use of renewable energy. Most of our larger operations have high levels of electricity
self-sufficiency. We focus on improving the energy efficiency of our operations and have invested in our operations to improve our
energy profile and increase electricity self-sufficiency, while reducing ongoing operating costs and carbon emission levels.
To the extent that we generate electricity surplus to our own requirements, we may sell such surplus externally. We also generate
revenue from the sale of green energy credits in certain of our operations, the prices of which are determined in the open market.
Technical integrity of our operating assets
We have five major mills which together account for approximately 70% of our total pulp and paper production capacity and a
significant consumer packaging manufacturing facility in Germany. If operations at any of these key facilities were interrupted for
any significant length of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or performance. Accidents or
incidents such as fires, explosions or large machinery breakdowns, could result in property damage, loss of production,
reputational damage and/or safety incidents.
Our capital investment programme supports the replacement of older equipment to improve both reliability and integrity and our
proactive repair and maintenance strategy is designed to minimise breakdown risks.
We conduct detailed risk assessments of our high-priority equipment and have specific processes and procedures in place for the
ongoing management and maintenance of such equipment.
We actively monitor all incidents and have a formal process which allows us to share lessons learnt across our operations, identify
emerging issues, conduct benchmarking and evaluate the effectiveness of our risk reduction activities.
Environmental impact
We operate in a high-impact sector and need to manage the associated risks and responsibilities. Our operations are water,
carbon and energy intensive; consume materials such as fibre, polymers, metals and chemicals; and generate emissions to air,
water and land. We are the custodian of more than two million hectares of forested land. We are subject to a wide range of
international, national and local environmental laws and regulations as well as the requirements of our customers and expectations
of our broader stakeholders.
We ensure that we are complying with all applicable environmental, health and safety requirements where we operate. Our own
policies and procedures, at or above local policy requirements, are embedded in all our operations.
We focus on a clean production philosophy to address the impact from emissions, discharge and waste. We focus on increasing
the energy efficiency of our operations and using biomass-based fuels, reducing our use of fossil-based energy sources. We
emphasise the responsible management of forests and associated ecosystems, protecting high conservation value areas.
Employee and contractor safety
We operate large facilities, often in remote locations. Accidents or incidents cause injury to our employees or contractors, property
damage, lost production time and/or harm to our reputation.
We have a zero harm policy. We continually monitor incidents and close calls and actively transfer learnings across our operations.
We apply an externally accredited safety management system and conduct regular audits of our operations to support safe and
productive workplaces.
We have implemented a project to engineer out the most significant risks in our operations, supported by robust controls and
procedures for operating those assets.
Reputational risk
Non-compliance with the legal and governance requirements and globally established responsible business conduct practices in
any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could expose us to significant risk if not actively managed. These include laws relating
to the environment, exports, price controls, taxation, human rights and labour.
We operate a comprehensive training and compliance programme, supported by self-certification and reporting. Our legal and
governance compliance is managed at business unit level, supported by a central team of relevant professionals and is subject to
regular internal audit review.
We also operate a confidential reporting hotline, Speakout, enabling employees, customers, suppliers, managers and other
stakeholders to raise concerns about conduct that may be contrary to our values.
We increasingly work with our suppliers to promote responsible business conduct in the value chain.
Information technology risk
Many of our operations are dependent on the availability of IT services and an extended interruption of such services may result in
plant shutdown. Cyber crime continues to increase and attempts are more and more sophisticated,with the consequences of
successful attacks including compromised data, financial fraud and system shutdowns.
We have a comprehensive IT Security Policy approved by our Boards. We conduct regular threat assessments and utilise external
providers to evaluate and review our security policies and procedures. Where possible, we have redundancies in place, our system
landscape is based on well-proven products and we have cyber crime insurance.
Financial risks
Our trading and financing activities expose the Group to financial risks that, if left unmanaged, could adversely impact our financial
position. These risks relate to the currencies in which we conduct our activities, interest rate and liquidity risks and exposure to
customer credit risk.
Our approach to financial risk management is described in notes 18 and 30 of the annual financial statements.
Going concern
The directors have reviewed the Group's budget for 2016, considered the assumptions contained in the budget and reviewed the
critical risks which may impact the Group's performance in the near term. These include an evaluation of the current
macroeconomic environment and reasonably possible changes in the Group's trading performance.
The Group's financial position, cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are described in the annual financial
statements. At 31 December 2015, Mondi had EUR598 million of undrawn, committed debt facilities. The Group's debt facilities have
maturity dates of between 1 and 10 years, with a weighted average maturity of 3.6 years.
Based on their evaluation, the Boards are satisfied that the Group remains solvent and has adequate liquidity to meet its
obligations and continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, the Group continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the integrated report and financial statements.
Contact details
Mondi Group
David Hathorn +27 11 994 5418
Andrew King +27 11 994 5415
Lora Rossler +27 83 627 0292
FTI Consulting
Richard Mountain +44 7909 684 466
Roger Newby +44 20 3727 1385
Conference call dial-in and webcast details
Please see below details of our dial-in conference call and webcast that will be held at 09.00 (UK) and 11.00 (SA).
The conference call dial-in numbers are:
South Africa 0800 200 648 (toll-free)
UK 0808 162 4061 (toll-free)
Europe/ other 00800 246 78 700 (toll-free)
The webcast will be available via www.mondigroup.com/FYResults15.
The presentation will be available to download from the above website an hour before the webcast commences. Questions can be
submitted via the dial-in conference call or via the webcast.
Should you have any issues on the day with accessing the dial-in conference call, please call +27 11 535 3600.
Should you have any issues on the day with accessing the webcast, please e-mail mondi@kraftwerk.co.at and you will be
contacted immediately.
A video recording of the presentation will be available on Mondi's website during the afternoon of 25 February 2016.
Directors' responsibility statement
These financial statements have been prepared under the supervision of the Group chief financial officer, Andrew King CA (SA),
and have been audited in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa 2008 and the UK
Companies Act 2006.
The directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:
- the condensed combined and consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards and in particular with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial
Reporting';
- the full year results announcement includes a fair review of the significant events during the year ended 31 December
2015 and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties;
- there have been no significant individual related party transactions during the year; and
- there have been no significant changes in the Group's related party relationships from that reported in the half-yearly
results for the six months ended 30 June 2015.
The Group's condensed combined and consolidated financial statements, and related notes, were approved by the Boards and
authorised for issue on 24 February 2016 and were signed on their behalf by:
David Hathorn Andrew King
Director Director
24 February 2016
Audited financial information
The condensed combined and consolidated financial statements and notes 1 to 20 for the year ended 31 December 2015 have
been audited by the Group's auditors, Deloitte LLP and Deloitte & Touche. Their unqualified audit reports are available for
inspection at the Group's registered offices.
Condensed combined and consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2015
2015 2014
Special Special
items items
EUR million Notes Underlying (Note 4) Total Underlying (Note 4) Total
Group revenue 3 6,819 — 6,819 6,402 — 6,402
Materials, energy and consumables used (3,413) — (3,413) (3,314) — (3,314)
Variable selling expenses (512) — (512) (499) — (499)
Gross margin 2,894 — 2,894 2,589 — 2,589
Maintenance and other indirect expenses (308) — (308) (283) — (283)
Personnel costs (1,003) (28) (1,031) (946) (29) (975)
Other net operating expenses (258) (25) (283) (234) (4) (238)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments (368) (4) (372) (359) (6) (365)
Operating profit 957 (57) 900 767 (39) 728
Net profit from associates 1 — 1 1 — 1
Total profit from operations and associates 958 (57) 901 768 (39) 729
Net finance costs 6 (105) — (105) (97) (13) (110)
Profit before tax 853 (57) 796 671 (52) 619
Tax charge 7 (161) 10 (151) (126) 4 (122)
Profit for the year 692 (47) 645 545 (48) 497
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests 45 45 26 26
