Interim report January 1 - March 31, 2007


Huhtamäki Oyj Stock Exchange Release 10.5.2007 At 8:55
 
 
Solid performance in the first quarter
 
* Good sales growth on a comparable basis driven by positive price/mix and modest volume growth
* Operational result improved while corporate income decreased significantly
* In Europe profitability returned to previous year's level supported by growth in Flexibles, Films and Molded Fiber as well as early stage recovery in Rigid
* Good earnings in Americas from solid pricing and product mix as well as improved operational efficiency
* Ramp-up of capacity investments on schedule in Asia
 
* The underlying EBIT excludes restructuring charges
 
 
Business review
In the first quarter, market demand for consumer packaging in the mature markets remained stable. In the emerging markets healthy growth is driven by an increase in purchasing power and modern retail. While overall demand has remained on a similar level to last year, the increasing raw material prices require continuous efforts to pass the cost pressure upstream as well as improve productivity.
 
The prices for the main raw materials remained on a high level during the quarter, showing a clear increase compared to the average level of the previous year. The same applied to the development of energy prices.
 
Volume was slightly up, especially on a comparable basis, and price/mix changes had a positive impact (+4%). These are not fully reflected in reported net sales of EUR 564.7 million (EUR 562.1 million) due to unfavorable movement in currency translations (-3%).
 
The geographical distribution of sales was the following: Europe 54% (52%), Americas 29% (31%) and Asia-Oceania-Africa 17% (17%). As a whole, emerging markets represented approximately 20% (19%) of net sales.
 
Europe
 
In Europe, growth in the Flexibles, Films and Molded Fiber businesses was robust. Sales performance in the Rigid business varied: steady growth within Foodservice was driven by Eastern and Southern Europe as well as the UK, while within Consumer Goods sales development was negatively impacted by the divested expanded polystyrene businesses and volume decline in the UK. For the quarter, net sales increased by 4% to EUR 304.9 million positively impacted by price/mix changes (+2%) and volume growth (+1%) with minor effect from currency translations.
 
The region's underlying EBIT was EUR 13.6 million (EUR 13.9 million), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 4.5% (4.8%). This reflects positive momentum experienced in the Flexibles business and operational efficiency in Rigid units with major change programs moving towards targeted levels. Also, the previous year's raw material and energy cost increases were largely recovered following reinforced pricing activities. The reported EBIT was EUR 13.6 million. In the previous year the reported EBIT of EUR 10.2 million included restructuring charges of EUR 3.7 million.
 
Americas
 
In the Americas, growth within Foodservice continued strong in the Retail division. Meanwhile, the change in product assortment in the remaining categories had a negative sales impact. The Flexibles business posted strong growth especially in Pet food. The Frozen desserts category saw lower demand compared to the previous year as customers rebalanced inventories ahead of the season start. Furthermore, the divested Mexican Molded Fiber unit affected negatively the comparison. In South America, sales development was flat. For the quarter, the positive impact from price/mix changes (+7%) was largely offset by volume decline (-6%). The reported net sales of EUR 163.7 million (-7%) is depressed by currency translations (-8%).
 
The region's underlying EBIT increased by 35% to EUR 18.5 million (EUR 13.7 million), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 11.3% (7.8%). This includes approximately EUR 6 million received as damages compensation relating to long-pending court proceedings settled. The previous year included a capital gain of EUR 3 million from the divested business. On a comparable basis, successful price management and favorable development in product mix together with good operational efficiency more than compensated the experienced shortfall in volume and higher distribution costs.
 
Asia-Oceania-Africa
 
In Asia, growth continued in the Flexibles and Rigid businesses. Sales performance was improving in the Rigid business in Oceania. For the quarter, volume growth was strong (+7%) and price/mix changes had a positive impact (+3%). The reported net sales of EUR 96.1 million (+3%) is depressed by currency translations (-6%).
 
The region's underlying EBIT was EUR 5.7 million (EUR 6.3 million), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 5.9% (6.8%). The favorable volume development led by the emerging markets was mitigated by start-up costs associated with investments in added capacity.
 
Financial review
The underlying EBIT before corporate items increased by 12% to EUR 37.8 million (EUR 33.9 million), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 6.7% (6.0%).
 
Corporate net in the quarter was EUR -0.1 million (EUR 7.0 million) reflecting the expiry of the royalty income relating to a previous divestment of the pharmaceuticals business. The underlying group EBIT was EUR 37.7 million (EUR 40.9 million), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 6.7% (7.3%). The reported EBIT was EUR 37.7 million. In the previous year the reported EBIT of EUR 37.2 million included restructuring charges of EUR 3.7 million.
 
At EUR 9.1 million (EUR 7.9 million), the increase in net financial items was mainly due to lower financial income. The reported profit for the period was EUR 24.4 million (EUR 24.2 million) leading to an unchanged reported EPS of EUR 0.24.
 
The average number of outstanding shares used in the EPS calculation was 100,426,461 (98,778,283) excluding 5,061,089 (unchanged) company's own shares.
 
On a rolling 12-month basis, the return on investment (ROI) was 9.3% (4.3%) and return on equity (ROE) was 11.5% (1.8%).
 
Balance sheet and cash flow
Free cash flow of EUR -36.4 million (EUR -1.1 million) was burdened by an elevated level of working capital due to higher inventories in units with major change programs as well as normal seasonal inventory build-up. In addition, capital expenditure continued high during the quarter amounting to EUR 25.6 million (EUR 18.7 million).
 
Net debt at the end of the quarter increased to EUR 742.6 million (EUR 699.2 million). The corresponding gearing ratio was 0.84 (0.87).
 
 
Strategic direction
Towards the end of 2006 the emphasis in the Group was shifted to developing growth platforms in order to accelerate profitable growth in attractive markets and product segments. In addition to progress in this area, the completion of the earlier announced change programs is another key priority for the current year.
 
In Europe, capacity was added in Foodservice hot cups in several units during the first quarter of 2007. The final exit from Göttingen, Germany, will take place during Q2 2007. In the Americas, the capacity to be added in retortable flexibles packaging is progressing at the existing facility in Malvern, USA, and is expected to be operational during the second half of 2007. In Asia-Oceania-Africa, the new flexibles packaging facility in Rudrapur, India, was in operation at year-end and commercial production started in January 2007. The construction work of the new rigid packaging facility in Guangzhou, China, was nearing completion at the end of the first quarter and is expected to be operational by the end of 2007.
 
 
Personnel
Huhtamaki had 14,885 (14,754) employees on March 31, 2007.
 
 
Events after the reporting period
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) of Huhtamäki Oyj was held on April 12, 2007 in Helsinki, Finland. The meeting approved the company's and consolidated financial statements for 2006 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. The dividend for 2006 was set at EUR 0.42 per share, increasing by 11% from the previous year. The meeting approved the proposal of the Board of Directors regarding the amendment of the Articles of Association of Huhtamäki Oyj. The AGM granted the Board of Directors authorization to decide on the conveyance of the company's own shares. The authorization is valid until December 31, 2009. The Board of Directors was re-elected and comprises the following persons: Ms. Eija Ailasmaa, Mr. George V. Bayly, Mr. Robertus van Gestel, Mr. Paavo Hohti, Mr. Mikael Lilius, Mr. Anthony J.B. Simon and Mr. Jukka Suominen. The Board of Directors subsequently elected Mikael Lilius as the Chairman and Jukka Suominen as Vice Chairman.
 
Huhtamaki continues to strengthen its position as a leading consumer packaging company in the Asian emerging markets. A new flexibles packaging facility will be built close to the existing facility in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim is to capture growth opportunities by supplying the local and multinational food and consumer goods industry with advanced flexibles packaging. According to the preliminary schedule the new facility will commence production around mid 2008. The value of the investment is approximately EUR 17 million.
 
 
Short-term risks and uncertainties
Volatile polymer-based raw material and energy prices as well as movements in currency translations are considered to be significant short-term business risks and uncertainties in the Group's operations.
 
 
Outlook for 2007
Organic growth will continue to be a priority. The positive impact from sales growth and cost savings should balance out the significant reduction in unallocated corporate income.
 
Capital expenditure is estimated to be somewhat lower in 2007 versus 2006.
 
The underlying EBIT for the full year is expected to be around the level of 2006.
 
 
This interim report is unaudited.
 
 
Espoo, May 9, 2007
Huhtamäki Oyj
Board of Directors
 
 
The Q2 2007 interim report will be published on July 19, 2007.
 
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Heikki Takanen, CEO, tel. +358-10-686 7801
Mr. Sakari Ahdekivi, CFO, tel. +358-10-686 7853
Ms. Kia Aejmelaeus, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358-10-686 7819 or mobile +358-40-765 4616
Ms. Taina Erkkilä, Group Vice President Communications, tel. +358-10-686 7876 or mobile +358-50-577 4059
 
A conference for investors, analysts and media will be held at 11:00 Finnish time at Huhtamaki's head office, Länsituulentie 7, Espoo. CEO Heikki Takanen and CFO Sakari Ahdekivi will present the results.
 
At 15:00 Finnish / 13:00 London / 08:00 New York time a conference call for investors and analysts will start with a management presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Should you wish to participate, please dial one of the following numbers:
 
* Number for participants from Finland: 0923 193 019
* Number for participants outside of Finland: +44 (0) 1452 542 300
* Reference code: Huhtamaki
 
All materials will be available at our website at www.huhtamaki.com.
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Definitions for key indicators
 
Earnings per share = Profit before taxes - minority interest - taxes / Average number of shares outstanding
 
Earnings per share (diluted) = Diluted profit before taxes - minority interest - taxes / Average fully diluted number of shares outstanding
 
Net debt to equity (gearing) = Interest bearing net debt / Equity + minority interest (average)
 
RONA-% = 100 x Earnings before interest and taxes (12 m roll.) / Net assets (12 m roll.)
 
Shareholders' equity per share = Equity / Issue-adjusted number of shares at period end
 
Return on equity (ROE) = 100 x (Profit for the period) / Equity + minority interest (average)
 
Return on investment (ROI) = 100 x (Profit before taxes + interest expenses + net other financial expenses) / Balance sheet total - Interest-free liabilities (average)

Attachments

Q1 2007