DS Smith increases 2014 interim dividend by 28%

DividendMax Ltd.

DS Smith increases 2014 interim dividend by 28%

Highlights

·     Market share gains driving organic corrugated packaging volume growth of +2.2%, led by good growth in areas of focus; - Germany and CEE

·     Improved performance across our key operational metrics

·     Return on sales progression of 40bps to 7.7% despite input cost pressures

·     Synergy benefits from SCA Packaging acquisition fully on track

·     Results in line with our medium-term targets

"We are encouraged by the strong results announced today and the continued delivery of our strategy from our sustainable business model. The good volume growth reflects market share gains from a strengthened customer proposition, driven by innovation and removing complexity and cost from our customers' supply chain.

At the same time as gaining share and growing volumes, we have also improved our EBITA margin, despite the headwind due to recent input cost increases which we are recovering as expected, with the usual lag.

We are, therefore, pleased with Group trading in the year to date. We continue to expect further good progress over the remainder of the year, despite ongoing challenging market conditions, and the Board views the future with confidence." Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive

Companies mentioned