Our comparable growth was 4% overall and 7% in emerging markets during the year. Development was good in North America, where our past investments delivered in a growing market. Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania and Molded Fiber segments progressed well throughout the year. Challenging trading conditions in many African countries and the demonetization action executed in India in November 2016 burdened Flexible Packaging net sales.
During the year we made significant forward-looking growth investment decisions that help our customers serve their markets better. The most significant of those decisions was to build a manufacturing and distribution facility in Goodyear, Arizona to service customers on the U.S. West Coast and southwest. In addition we`re investing in new facilities in Egypt and India, and expanding our current site in China. Our 2016 capital expenditure was almost EUR 200 million, 52% of Adjusted EBITDA, which together with EUR 120 million spent on acquisitions added the total growth spend to approx. EUR 320 million. In 2015 our growth spend was EUR 360 million.
Largest acquisition in 2016 was Delta Print and Packaging, based in Northern Ireland and Poland, which extended our European product portfolio to folded carton packaging. In addition, we increased our capabilities through acquisitions in flexible packaging in Czech Republic and in foodservice packaging in India and Saudi Arabia.
Our free cash flow improved to EUR 100 million meeting our mid-term ambition. Our ROI and ROE remained on or close to the previous year levels despite our forward-looking investment program and were 14.7% and 17.7% respectively.
Business environment in 2016 was mixed and volatility and uncertainty in the markets has continued in early 2017. We remain optimistic on the business opportunities in food and drink packaging and will advance our growth by building new capacity on four continents in 2017. As we achieved our earlier mid-term ambitions during the year, we launched new long-term ambitions at our Capital Markets Day in November 2016. Growth remains at the core of our strategy and we aim to work both on organic investments and acquisitions. In addition, we aim to improve our profitability further and maintain our financial stability."
Financial review Q4 2016
The Group`s comparable net sales growth was 3% during the quarter. Growth was strongest in the North America and Molded Fiber business segments driven by strong volume growth and supported by favorable seasonal demand. Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment also achieved good growth against a strong fourth quarter in the previous year. Net sales of Flexible Packaging business segment declined. The Group`s comparable growth in emerging markets was 5%. Growth was strong across markets in Eastern Europe, whereas local net sales development in India was negative due to the demonetization effect, and marginally positive in China. Export sales of flexible packaging to African countries declined. The Group`s net sales grew to EUR 732 million (EUR 691 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group`s net sales was EUR -2 million (EUR 34 million) compared to 2015 exchange rates.
Net sales by business segment
| EUR million | Q4 2016 | Q4 2015 | Change | Of Group in
Q4 2016 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 193.0 | 168.7 | 14% | 27% |
| North America | 259.8 | 244.2 | 6% | 34% |
| Flexible Packaging | 213.9 | 214.5 | 0% | 30% |
| Molded Fiber | 69.0 | 66.5 | 4% | 9% |
| Elimination of internal sales | -4.2 | -3.4 | | |
| Group | 731.5 | 690.5 | 6% | |
Comparable growth by business segment
| | Q4 2016 | Q3 2016 | Q2 2016 | Q1 2016 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 3% | 5% | 7% | 7% |
| North America | 5% | 2% | 8% | 10% |
| Flexible Packaging | -3% | -3% | 2% | 1% |
| Molded Fiber | 6% | 6% | 5% | 4% |
| Group | 3% | 2% | 6% | 6% |
The Group`s earnings improved significantly driven by solid profitability improvement in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania and Molded Fiber business segments. Good progress in the North America business segment also contributed to the earnings growth. As a result of negative net sales development the Flexible Packaging segment`s earnings declined slightly, but remained on a good level. The Group`s Adjusted EBIT were EUR 65 million (EUR 56 million) and reported EBIT EUR 64 million (EUR 56 million).
Adjusted EBIT by business segment
| EUR million | Q4 2016 | Q4 2015 | Change | Of Group in
Q4 2016 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania 1 | 15.3 | 10.3 | 49% | 27% |
| North America | 25.1 | 23.2 | 8% | 35% |
| Flexible Packaging | 17.6 | 18.3 | -4% | 26% |
| Molded Fiber | 9.9 | 8.0 | 24% | 12% |
| Other activities | -2.5 | -4.1 | | |
| Group 1 | 65.4 | 55.7 | 17% | |
1 Excluding IACs of EUR -1.5 million in Q4 2016
Adjusted EBIT excludes EUR -1.5 million of IACs. They consist of additional identified restructuring costs, which are expected to incur from actions to improve the competitiveness of the foodservice business in China as announced on June 27, 2016. IACs were booked for Q4 2016 in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
Adjusted EBIT and IACs
| EUR million | Q4 2016 | Q4 2015 |
| Adjusted EBIT | 65.4 | 55.7 |
| Restructuring costs | -1.5 | |
| EBIT | 63.9 | 55.7 |
Net financial expenses were EUR 7 million (EUR 7 million). Tax expense was EUR 13 million (EUR 8 million).
Profit for the quarter was EUR 44 million (EUR 40 million). Adjusted EPS were EUR 0.44 (EUR 0.38) and reported EPS EUR 0.42 (EUR 0.38).
Financial review FY 2016
The Group`s comparable net sales growth was 4% in 2016. Growth was strongest in the North America business segment, which exceeded the EUR 1 billion annual net sales milestone. Growth in the segment was particularly strong during the first half of the year supported by the business gained in H2 2015. Growth was on a good level also in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania and Molded Fiber business segments throughout the year. The Flexible Packaging business segment`s net sales grew moderately during the first half, but declined in the second half due to challenges in African and Indian markets. The Group`s comparable growth in emerging markets was 7%. Growth was strongest in Eastern Europe. Net sales grew moderately in China. The Group`s net sales grew to EUR 2,865 million (EUR 2,726 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group`s net sales was EUR -51 million (EUR 194 million) compared to 2015 exchange rates. The majority of the negative currency impact came from the weakening of emerging market currencies and the pound sterling versus euro.
Net sales by business segment
| EUR million | FY 2016 | FY 2015 | Change | Of Group in
FY 2016 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania | 741.0 | 667.5 | 11% | 25% |
| North America | 1,005.1 | 947.7 | 6% | 35% |
| Flexible Packaging | 868.6 | 868.9 | 0% | 31% |
| Molded Fiber | 267.8 | 260.3 | 3% | 9% |
| Elimination of internal sales | -17.5 | -18.0 | | |
| Group | 2,865.0 | 2,726.4 | 5% | |
The Group`s profitability improved with all business segments contributing to earnings growth. Earnings growth was strongest in the North America business segment. Other activities had a negative impact of EUR 11 million (EUR -5 million) on the Group`s earnings. The change compared to previous year was primarily related to the Group`s long-term incentive plan and project-related costs. The Group`s Adjusted EBIT were EUR 268 million (EUR 238 million) and reported EBIT EUR 266 million (EUR 215 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group`s profitability was EUR -5 million (EUR 16 million).
Adjusted EBIT by business segment
| EUR million | FY 2016 | FY 2015 | Change | Of Group in
FY 2016 |
| Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania 1 | 63.2 | 52.4 | 21% | 23% |
| North America | 107.6 | 88.2 | 22% | 39% |
| Flexible Packaging | 73.8 | 68.8 | 7% | 26% |
| Molded Fiber | 34.6 | 33.5 | 3% | 12% |
| Other activities2 | -11.3 | -5.4 | | |
| Group 1, 2 | 267.9 | 237.5 | 13% | |
1 Excluding IACs of EUR -1.7 million in FY 2016
2 Excluding IACs of EUR -22.6 million in FY 2015
Adjusted EBIT excludes EUR -1.7 million of IACs, which consist of restructuring costs of EUR 9.5 million and a gain of EUR 7.8 million relating to business combination. The restructuring costs are related to actions to improve the competitiveness of the foodservice business in China and New Zealand and a provision to cover potential environmental remediation actions at a former Huhtamaki manufacturing unit in Norway as announced on June 27, 2016. The gain relating to business combination derives from the increase of Huhtamaki`s ownership in Arabian Paper Products Company as announced on March 22, 2016. IACs were booked for Q2 2016 and Q4 2016 in the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
Adjusted EBIT and IACs
| EUR million | FY 2016 | FY 2015 |
| Adjusted EBIT | 267.9 | 237.5 |
| Restructuring costs | -9.5 | |
| Gains and losses relating to business combinations and disposals | 7.8 | -4.3 |
| Fines and penalties imposed by authorities | | -18.3 |
| EBIT | 266.2 | 214.9 |
Net financial expenses decreased to EUR 27 million (EUR 34 million). Tax expense increased to EUR 48 million (EUR 29 million). The corresponding tax rate was 20% (16%).
Profit for the period was EUR 192 million (EUR 151 million). Adjusted EPS were EUR 1.83 (EUR 1.65) and reported EPS EUR 1.81 (EUR 1.42).
Significant events during the reporting period
On March 22, 2016 Huhtamaki signed a EUR 150 million freely transferable loan agreement (Schuldschein). The loan is targeted to institutional investors and is divided into two floating rate and two fixed rate tranches with maturities of 5 and 7 years. Huhtamaki will use the funds for refinancing and general corporate purposes of the Group.
On June 27, 2016 Huhtamaki announced actions to improve the competitiveness of its foodservice business in Asia and Oceania. The foodservice packaging manufacturing operations in South China will be consolidated into one efficient, modernized unit. In addition, manufacturing will be focused on a defined core foodservice packaging product range. The actions were expected to have an impact on approx. 350 employees across functions. At the foodservice packaging unit in Henderson, New Zealand, manufacturing operations were reorganized to improve efficiency of the unit. The reorganization was expected to have an impact on approx. 15 employees.
On September 16, 2016 Huhtamaki announced that it will invest in the expansion and modernization of its manufacturing unit in Guangzhou, South China. The total investment including site expansion, improvements in plant layout and new high-speed machinery is expected to be approx. EUR 15 million. The investment followed the earlier announced actions to improve the competitiveness of the foodservice business in China and consolidate the South China manufacturing operations. Majority of the investment takes place in the latter part of 2016 and early 2017, and the modernization is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The Guangzhou manufacturing unit is part of the Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment.
On September 19, 2016 Huhtamaki announced that it will purchase a manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Arizona, the U.S. to set up a new world class manufacturing and distribution unit. The facility is set to service the southwest and West Coast foodservice packaging and retail tableware markets. The total investment including the site purchase and modifications, improvements in infrastructure, and machinery investments and installations is expected to exceed USD 100 million (approx. EUR 90 million). Majority of the investment takes place in 2016-2017 and manufacturing is scheduled to begin in late 2017. When fully operational, the unit is expected to employ approx. 300 employees and it will become part of the North America business segment.
On October 25, 2016 Huhtamaki announced that it will set up three new manufacturing units to boost growth in its Flexible Packaging business segment. The largest of the new units will be located in the greater Cairo area in Egypt and the other two in North East India. In addition, one label manufacturing unit in the Mumbai area will be relocated and modernized. The new state of the art manufacturing unit in Egypt will be owned and operated as a joint venture of which Huhtamaki owns 75%. The total investment in Egypt is expected to be approx. EUR 23 million with Huhtamaki share at approx. EUR 17 million. The combined value of the mentioned three growth investments in India is expected to be approx. EUR 9 million. Majority of the investments takes place in 2016-2017.
On December 23, 2016 Huhtamaki announced that it has signed a confirmation to extend the maturity of its EUR 400 million syndicated revolving credit facility loan agreement for a further period of one year in accordance with the extension option of the loan agreement. The new termination date is January 9, 2022. The credit facility will be used for 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.
Dividend proposal
On December 31, 2016 Huhtamäki Oyj`s non-restricted equity was EUR 664 million (EUR 696 million). The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that a dividend of EUR 0.73 (EUR 0.66) per share be paid.
Annual General Meeting 2017
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11.00 (EET) at Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre, Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland.
Financial reporting in 2017
In 2017, Huhtamaki will publish financial information as follows:
Interim Report, January 1 - March 31, 2017 April 27
Half-yearly Report, January 1 - June 30, 2017 July 21
Interim Report, January 1 - September 30, 2017 October 26
Annual Accounts 2016 will be published on week 8 on Huhtamaki`s website at www.huhtamaki.com.
This is a summary of Huhtamäki Oyj`s Results January 1 - December 31, 2016. The complete report is attached to this release and is also available at the company website at 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 74 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 17,000 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.
Huhtamäki Oyj Results 2016
This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients.
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
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