Annual Report • Jul 15, 2021
Annual Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
Annual Report 2021
Highlights
Please note: Some of the images in this report were taken before the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing.
+3.5%
Corrugated box volumes (2020: +0.6%)
8.4% Return on sales1 (2020: 10.9%)
£502m Adjusted operating profit1 (2020: £660m)
-£306m
to £1,795m net debt (2020: £2,101m)
£5,976m Revenue2 (2020: £6,043m)
£311m Operating profit2 (2020: £455m)
12.1p Dividend per share (2020: nil)
£486m Free cash flow1 (2020: £354m)
x4
increase in training attendance across all platforms
units of plastic replaced in the year
14% reduction in accident frequency rate
23%
CO2e per tonne reduction since 2015
Based upon continuing operations, before adjusting items and amortisation. These are all non-GAAP performance measures – see note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.
From continuing operations.
"In this report we set out details of our performance and strong momentum in the second half of the year 2020/21, and how our business is extremely well positioned through our circular business model to meet the challenges of the changing world."
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive
Over the course of 2020/21 we have not only responded to the impact of Covid-19, we have continued to make significant progress in furthering our strategy to be the leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions.
Our priority throughout this pandemic has been and continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our people. We have worked in tandem with governments to ensure that our factories could remain open and continue to keep goods moving, including vital supplies like medicines and food.
The opportunity for DS Smith is clear. We are an industry leader, with a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) focused customer base and high quality assets across Europe and into North America, built up over the last decade and led by our customers' requirements. We have invested substantially in innovation for many years resulting in differentiated, value-adding solutions in growth areas of the market, such as e-commerce and plastic replacement. As such, we are at the intersection of powerful trends – sustainability, e-commerce and digital – which result in compelling opportunities for us and we are partnering with customers and stakeholders to realise those.
The launch of our new sustainability vision and strategy, Now and Next, maps out ambitious commitments and goals for the next decade. We are furthering our transition to a circular economy by partnering with our employees, customers, communities and stakeholders to keep materials in use, design out waste and regenerate natural systems, while continuing to focus on CO₂ reduction, protecting biodiversity and reducing water consumption.
And while paper and packaging is one of the hardest sectors to de-carbonise, we were delighted to commit to a science-based target by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050 to reinforce our leadership in the circular economy and climate action.
We also recognise that this changing world has placed increased demands on our employees' wellbeing, which is why we have launched a new framework to support this critical area. Our safety statistics have again improved, for the 12th year in a row. Meanwhile, from Kemsley to Krusevac, Tampere to Timisoara, and in over 300 locations across the world, our employees continue to embody our values by supporting the local communities in which we operate.
In this report we set out what we have achieved in the year 2020/21, but also how we are well positioned to respond to the uncertain outlook facing the global economy. We explain the underlying growth drivers for the corrugated industry, and why DS Smith is ready to take advantage of those opportunities from the surge in e-commerce to plastic replacement.
There is no denying the world has dramatically changed and through our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World', which we have been working hard to embed over the past two years, we continue to support our customers and stakeholders to respond to a more digitally connected world.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Geoff Drabble as Chairman and thank, once again, our outgoing Chairman Gareth Davis for his decade of service to DS Smith.
Group Chief Executive
Our Purpose is to 'Redefine Packaging for a Changing World'. It is our reason for being. It sets out why we exist and the value we bring to our customers and all stakeholder groups.
Our Purpose focuses our DS Smith team on the rapidly changing world around us as consumers' lives and shopping habits are changing due to the acceleration of the digital world. It encourages us to look outside of the confines of the packaging industry and forward to see how these changes influence shopping patterns, such as switches from stores to home shopping, and will impact on the environment and how packaging plays its part in a more sustainable experience for all.
Our Purpose sharpens our instincts and encourages us to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, such as replacing problem plastics.
Our Purpose feeds all parts of our organisation, including people, policies, research and development, design and customer interactions. We are redefining packaging through our four strategic goals: delighting our customers. Realising the potential of our people, leading the way in sustainability and doubling our size and profitability. We believe that if we deliver in this way, we will meet our vision to be the leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions.
To delight our customers: by delivering outstanding results to them as we increase their sales, reduce their costs, manage their risk and become circular ready
To realise the potential of our people: by creating a safe environment where every colleague can develop their skills and ideas
To lead the way in sustainability: by championing sustainable supply cycle solutions and using materials responsibly through our production processes and beyond
To double our size and profitability: by driving operational and commercial excellence, growing our market share and expanding into new markets
We take pride in what we do and we care about our customers, our people and the world around us
We are not afraid to constructively challenge each other and ourselves to find a better way forward
Be trusted We can always be trusted to deliver on our promises
Be responsive We seek new ideas and
Be tenacious We get things done
Our strategic goals are aligned with the requirements of all our stakeholders, so that we are delivering for all.
We are around 29,000 people across 34 countries worldwide, speaking 26 languages. We are inspired by our Purpose and are diverse in our thinking.
By giving everyone a voice, we provide a meritocracy with development opportunities for all and recognition of personal achievement, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age or religion. We have workplace conversations through team briefings, leadership visits, digital and hard copy communications. We have mechanisms for feedback through our employee works councils, biennial employee survey and more regular pulse surveys, which inform local action plans and sharing of best practice. We also have a confidential hotline known as 'Speak Up!' for employees to report concerns where they do not wish to go through their local management. More formally, our European Works Council (EWC) brings together employee representatives from the European countries in which we operate and provides a forum for information sharing and consultation.
Read more on page 24
Our customers are largely fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies that produce goods typically sold in supermarkets and increasingly via e-commerce channels. We make corrugated packaging for some of the largest global food brands. We also make packaging for online retailers and industrial customers and sell paper and recycling to third parties. As the world changed through the Covid-19 pandemic, our customers' needs changed. They require an innovative and flexible partner with world class supply chains and scale. We aim to be the easiest packaging company to do business with and provide more ways to work with customers than ever before.
Read more on page 22
Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, and we raise our debt from banks and through listed bonds. Our equity and bonds are owned by a wide range of investors in the UK, Europe, the US and beyond. We engage with equity investors and analysts through regular meetings and conferences, and similarly engage with our banking syndicate, fixed income investors and ratings agencies periodically.
We have approximately 40,000 suppliers, ranging from small suppliers of goods and services, to large paper manufacturers from whom we source substantial volumes of paper for our corrugated board. We engage with suppliers to enforce our established supplier standards and supplier code of conduct, which set out our ways of working, including for example, in relation to our obligations under anti-modern slavery laws.
Leading in sustainability and care for the environment is core to our Purpose and one of our four strategic goals. Reducing CO₂, water usage and waste to landfill are priorities, and we have committed to setting science-based carbon-reduction targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The transition to a circular economy is our particular focus. Our strategic partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is informing our Now and Next sustainability strategy and is supporting our work in replacing problem plastic with fibre-based packaging, and educating five million people across Europe and North America in the circular economy.
Our Purpose also guides our community programmes and charitable foundation which supports local and larger initiatives, from sponsoring local educational projects to donations to environmental and education-focused charities, such as the Arkwright Foundation. Since its establishment in 2011, the DS Smith Charitable Foundation has donated over £2 million to causes aligned with our Purpose. DS Smith manages more packaging for recycling than it makes, meaning we are a net recycler of packaging. We have testing environmental targets so that we continue to improve our impact on the environment.
Read more on page 30
We engage in detailed consultation with governments to promote efficient fibre recycling and the acceleration of the circular economy, and we participate in industry organisations to combine our influence. We take a leadership role with relevant nongovernmental organisations, such as our global partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. We are engaging with leading ESG organisations such as the Science Based Targets initiative to set meaningful and ambitious goals around our carbon emissions.
A sample of the talented women across DS Smith who shared their career stories as part of our International Women's Day celebration in March 2021.
We have created a circular business focused on sustainable packaging.
We are a leading international sustainable packaging company, delivering innovative corrugated products with a high quality service across Europe and North America. Our product portfolio includes packaging for consumer products, e-commerce, promotion, transit and industrial packaging.
We partner with customers to provide innovative packaging solutions. Not only do we help specify packaging solutions to generate more sales, but we do so while ensuring lower cost and meeting performance criteria. We complement our product range with consultancy services on supply chain optimisation and creative design.
Our packaging is fully sustainable and made from largely recycled and/or recyclable material, which means the packaging we produce helps our customers to achieve their own sustainability targets. Our corrugated packaging is typically produced within c. 200km of its destination due to the requirements for just-in-time delivery and the increased focus on sustainability.
We are a leading international manufacturer of corrugated case material (CCM), which is the paper used for conversion into corrugated board. We also manufacture some specialist paper grades such as plasterboard liner. DS Smith is overall 'short paper', meaning we are a net buyer of paper for our packaging requirements. We operate a paper sourcing platform that ensures we procure the paper that is right for our customers' packaging. We determine whether we make or buy our required paper, and then we sell some of our paper output. Paper is readily transportable and is traded globally, so in some cases it is more efficient to sell our paper and buy in other regions, depending on local pricing.
We operate 14 CCM paper mills, 12 in Europe and two in the US. Of those, two are kraftliner (virgin paper) mills (one in the US, one in Europe) and the remainder are principally dedicated to the production of recycled CCM (testliner). We also have two small mills in Europe producing specialist paper grades. Fibre for our testliner is principally sourced from our own recycling operations.
c. 4.6 million tonnes CCM produced in 2020/21
We provide a full recycling and waste management service, ranging from simple recycling collections through to full recycling and waste management solutions, which help us take responsibility for the collection of used packaging.
We are Europe's largest cardboard and paper recycler and are also one of the leading full service recycling and waste management companies in Europe. We collect quality paper and cardboard for recycling from a range of sectors, including retailers, manufacturers, local authorities, and other recycling and waste management companies. The used paper and board we collect provides cost efficient raw material for the Group's recycled paper making processes. We also sell used fibre to third parties globally.
Our business operates in four geographic segments, three in Europe and one in North America.
We also have offices in India and China, where we offer sourcing and consultancy services, and a packaging sales site in Morocco.
Over the past year, we have seen an acceleration of the ongoing structural changes in the packaging market driven by the evolving consumer relationship with packaging. New technologies, customer demands and external pressures like Covid-19 and climate change are all aligning to reshape shopping behaviours with an increased focus on areas such as e-commerce, health and wellbeing and a continued prioritisation on sustainable packaging.
As we enter recovery, research shows that many of the online shopping habits European consumers adopted over lockdown are here to stay. This, together with changing demographics, access to fast broadband, advances in artificial intelligence and improvements in delivery infrastructure, will surely contribute to continued fast growth in 2021 and beyond.
Products being over-packaged or delivered in non-recyclable materials can lead to strong criticism, complaints, and active public debate. Plastics are perceived to be the least sustainable form of packaging and brands, retailers and food producers are increasingly looking for more sustainable alternatives.
With European consumers planning to continue or increase buying groceries online (62 per cent) and home meal kits (49 per cent)1 , we have responded to the challenges of these segments by partnering with TemperPack to introduce ClimaCell®, a sustainable thermal insulation barrier for temperature-sensitive goods such as meal kits, perishable groceries and medical products.
While leveraging the convenience of these new delivery channels, consumers continue to prioritise sustainable packaging. Almost a third (29 per cent) have stopped buying from particular brands because their packaging was not sustainable, with half (48 per cent) of online shoppers saying that they have experienced 'unsustainable packaging'2
It is not just sustainability that has increased in importance. Awareness of the hygiene and food safety of packaging has also significantly shifted, with 71 per cent of respondents in the US more concerned than prior to the pandemic3. While there is no evidence of virus transfer from cardboard, we partnered with Touchguard to develop a new range of bacteria and virus-safeguarded sustainable cardboard packaging. The easily identifiable touch-safe zones can be applied at scale across a range of industries and applications.
48% European shoppers have experienced 'unsustainable
packaging'
29%
European consumers have stopped buying from a particular brand because their packaging was unsustainable
DS Smith and OnePoll, 2020.
Ipsos MORI and DS Smith, Sustainable Packaging – Did Covid-19 change everything?, 2020.
McKinsey Packaging Survey (2020).
While consumers' relationships with packaging has undeniably changed, so too have the needs of our customers and the challenges they have faced. We have responded with tailor-made solutions that helped our customers respond to trends such as increased e-commerce demand or the need for more sustainable packaging. We continue to help new and existing customers navigate this period of uncertainty through security of supply, quality and innovation.
As is often the case, adversity encourages innovation and many companies saw real opportunity around e-commerce driven by unprecedented demand. Since summer 2020, more than 85,000 UK businesses including farms and restaurants have launched online stores selling directly to their local communities and beyond. This has necessitated interactions with a raft of new customers designing supply chains for the first time. Through our ePack online platform, we have helped small and medium-sized businesses make this transition to ensure they can continue trading and delighting their consumers.
It is not just small brands that have had to adapt to changing consumer behaviours. To respond to increasing demand during the pandemic, food retailer Delhaize and DS Smith worked together to introduce an automated box erecting machine to ensure efficient delivery to homes and shops across Belgium.
We have worked hard to continue innovating with our customers to respond to these trends, transforming our sustainability and innovation workshops through new digital platforms. By launching 'Impact Centre Online', we are working directly with our customers to develop the next generation of e-commerce packaging, implement new sustainable design principles and develop alternatives to problem plastics.
Meanwhile, alongside ongoing calls from consumers for sustainable packaging, by taking a leadership role in alliances such as 4Evergreen, we are supporting plans to increase the 84 per cent fibre-based packaging recycling rate in Europe to 90 per cent by the end of the decade. This can only be achieved through innovative collaboration between the packaging and recycling supply cycle – by working together to deliver innovation from product design through to collection and recycling systems infrastructure. This is particularly important as more packaging ends up in people's homes.
And this is why our circular approach is so important. By thinking differently and working closely with our customer Laithwaite's Wine, DS Smith has closed the loop on over 1,000 tonnes of cardboard packaging, ensuring materials are kept in the supply cycle for as long as possible, while maximising value.
"We continue to help new and existing customers navigate this period of uncertainty through security of supply, quality and innovation."
Today, we face huge challenges to mitigate the effects of climate change and achieve agreed climate targets, with a 2021 UN poll suggesting that two-thirds of people want action against climate change1 . By improving circularity of resources, as well as decarbonising energy production, business and society can work together to lead a step change in sustainable business.
Greenhouse gas emissions are not falling quickly enough to achieve climate targets. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a switch to renewable energy can only cut them by 55 per cent, which means a further 45 per cent of the target must be tackled through better adoption of a circular economy2
At DS Smith, our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' is reinforced by our robust circular business model. Our products are made from renewable resources and once our paper and cardboard has been used it can be recycled up to 25 times.
DS Smith's new sustainability strategy, Now and Next, allows us to move beyond just having a strong circular business model ourselves to delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions.
Almost half of Europeans (46 per cent) say they want to use more cardboard or paperbased packaging rather than plastic-based packaging, and almost a third of European shoppers say they have stopped buying particular brands altogether because their packaging was not sustainable3. With over 700 packaging designers developing thousands of packaging specifications every year, we are helping our customers to create circular alternatives.
Through our circular design principles, brands can keep materials in use, design out waste so that it is easier for consumers to reuse and recycle packaging, and regenerate natural systems.
Moreover, we have been working to reduce plastic packaging by innovating in sectors where sustainable fibre-based packaging can make a big difference in reducing plastic use. Through partnerships, such as Aquapak and MULTIVAC, we have extended our ability to tackle 'hard to recycle' plastics and we've developed over 650 designs focused specifically on plastic replacement – with over 54 million units of plastic replaced in the year alone.
As companies embrace sustainable packaging, there is an opportunity to make significant progress against their environmental and social responsibilities while also responding to changing consumer behaviours in light of Covid-19.
54 million Units of plastic replaced in the year
rather than plastic-based packaging
Europeans want to use more cardboard or paper-based packaging,
Annual Report 2021 dssmith.com 11
Led by our Purpose and to achieve our vision to be the leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, Now and Next is our new sustainability strategy that sets out how we will tackle the sustainability challenges we are facing today, as well as those that will impact future generations.
By 2025, all of our paper mills will run a biodiversity programme in their local community
water stressed areas will have a mitigation plan in place
We support several international frameworks:
For more information, see our latest Sustainability Report.
We will work together with partners to develop fully circular strategies, from design to production and supply to recycling, creating positive impact packaging for our changing world.
By 2030, we aim for all of our packaging to be recycled or reused and to pilot 20 new business models for improving post-consumer waste quality and recycling rates
By 2030 we are aiming to optimise every fibre for every supply chain
By 2030 our aim is to use packaging and recycling to enable the circular economy by replacing problem plastics, reducing customer carbon and eliminating consumer packaging waste
By 2030 we will engage five million people on the circular economy and circular lifestyles
People are the foundation of our success and we prioritise their health, safety and wellbeing and contribute to our communities
• Maintain that 100 per cent of our sites are engaged in community programmes each year4
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are an ambitious plan to create a better world by 2030.
Although we impact many of the goals, we have identified four that are most relevant to our business and where we can make a significant contribution:
Responsible Consumption and Production: we keep materials in use for longer, reduce waste and pollution and protect natural resources.
Climate Action: we reduce our emissions to combat climate change and its impacts.
Life on Land: we minimise our use of sustainably sourced fibre, protecting and restoring ecosystems.
Decent Work and Economic Growth: we commit to being a responsible employer, underlining our ethical, labour and employment standards.
We have announced new climate targets, including a commitment to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 and a science based target for 2030, which requires at least a 40 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions per tonne of product compared to 2019. Turn to pages 30 and 31 to learn more.
"Our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' has never been more relevant in a year that has presented significant challenges for society at large from the Covid-19 pandemic. As a packaging provider we have continued to operate throughout, thanks to the dedication and commitment of our people."
Geoff Drabble, Chairman
I am delighted to have joined the Board as your new Chairman, and it has been a pleasure getting to know the business, albeit virtually in most instances. I have been very impressed with the commitment of the people I have met, and look forward to meeting many more as lockdown and travel restrictions progressively ease.
Our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' has never been more relevant in a year that has presented significant challenges for society at large from the Covid-19 pandemic. As a packaging provider we have continued to operate throughout, thanks to the dedication and commitment of our people, as we are integral to the food and medical supply chain and classified as an essential industry. We have long been committed to fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and e-commerce customers and we have seen very strong growth within e-commerce from an accelerated change in shopping habits and an evolving retail environment.
Throughout the year, we have been guided by our values and core priorities: firstly, to the health and wellbeing of our people; and secondly, to serving our customers. Our people have responded magnificently, adapting ways of working where needed. This has enabled us to continue to serve our customers, ultimately getting food and other vital supplies to consumers around Europe and beyond. I would particularly like to thank my colleagues who have worked so hard throughout such a challenging period, whether coping with health issues or anxieties for themselves or their families, or the strains that the various restrictions have placed on us all. Thank you.
Volumes have been resilient throughout the year, dipping only modestly in the first half of the year as activity among our industrial customers temporarily fell, and accelerating
considerably in the second half of the year, driven by solutions for e-commerce customers in particular. Volumes from our bedrock of FMCG customers remained solid throughout. Covid-19 restrictions resulted in significant volatility in various input costs, including used fibre, impacting profitability. I am delighted to see the improved performance from our US business, as we begin to see the benefit of the Indiana site develop and market conditions improve. While it has been a challenging year, we are well placed to benefit from the accelerated, long-term growth drivers of e-commerce and sustainable solutions. We have consistently invested in these key areas over many years in anticipation of the growth which is now playing out as expected, with e-commerce in particular accelerated by Covid-19. That investment has taken the form of designers, technicians and equipment, resulting in a range of both e-commerce products and services, so that our packaging adds value in the e-commerce supply cycle. Looking ahead, we are investing further in new packaging sites in Italy and Poland. These sites will provide capacity to allow us to take advantage of the customer demand and growth in these regions and we are confident in the returns they will deliver.
Health and safety is of paramount importance to us, and I am very pleased to note that we have continued our long-term trend of improvement, with the accident frequency rate, our headline measure for health and safety, declining by 14 per cent compared to last year, the 12th year of improvement in a row.
Sustainability is at the heart of our business, both in how we operate and as an opportunity for growth. In the year, we launched an ambitious new sustainability strategy, Now and Next, focused on the circular economy, taking us to 2030, and we have committed to setting further, more challenging science-based targets in relation to carbon reduction, in line with the Paris Agreement. We are engaging with stakeholders, particularly customers and investors, on the topic of sustainability and ESG
more widely, more than ever, as their interests and requirements grow, and we are taking a leadership position in the debate, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, as the only packaging business that is a global strategic partner.
I would first like to thank the outgoing Chairman, Gareth Davis, on behalf of the Board and the Company, for his tireless service as Chairman over the past nine years. He has championed the strategy taken by the management team and seen the business through some transformative acquisitions, with the Company now past its third anniversary of being in the FTSE 100. His enthusiasm, commitment and wise counsel will be missed.
On 1 May 2020, Alina Kessel was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director, and Chris Britton stepped down at our 2020 AGM. I would like to welcome Alina and thank Chris for over seven years of service.
The Board considers the dividend to be a very important component of shareholder returns and it is integral to our capital allocation policy of delivering a return to shareholders while maintaining a robust balance sheet with the flexibility for re-investment in projects expected to deliver returns in our return on capital range, in the medium term. We have a longstanding capital allocation and dividend policy of paying a dividend with cover of 2.0 – 2.5 times to adjusted EPS. Having taken the prudent
decision to pause dividends in 2019/20 at the peak of the Covid-19 crisis, due to the uncertainty created by restrictions on activity, I am very pleased to be able to resume payment this year. In respect of 2020/21, we paid an interim dividend of 4.0 pence and propose a final dividend of 8.1 pence, together 12.1 pence, representing a cover of 2.0 times, in line with our policy.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome colleagues who have joined DS Smith during the year and to thank everyone for their commitment and hard work. The continued investment in our business, together with the strong support of our customers and the momentum built over recent quarters, give us confidence for the current year and future. Whilst the business has seen reduced profitability over the last twelve months, we firmly believe that we exit 2020/21 stronger, further focused on the accelerated opportunities a post Covid-19 world offers and that our customers will continue to recognise this going forward.
The current year has started well, with the volume momentum of the final quarter of FY21 continuing into this year. Inflationary cost pressures have also continued, in particular old corrugated cases, but also other costs such as energy, transport and labour. Packaging prices have started to increase and we expect to fully recover these increasing costs.
Accordingly, while there remains uncertainty in the overall economic environment, demand is strong and we expect to make good progress this year.
The Board aims to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole, taking into account the long-term consequences of its decisions and looking at those decisions through a variety of lenses. This involves the Board and management considering in detail and discussing the interests of the Company's stakeholders, including our people, our customers, our investors, local communities and non-governmental organisations and our suppliers; the importance of maintaining our reputation for high standards of business conduct; and the environment. More information about our stakeholders is set out on page 3. Examples of what that has looked like in practice over the past year are summarised below.
In the governance section of this Annual Report we use s172 to highlight the examples referred to below:
| Stakeholder | Strategic Report | Governance |
|---|---|---|
| Our people | Pages 3 and 27 (engagement and feedback), 28 (decisions made in consultation with employees), 25 (engagement on health and safety), 28 (global recognition programme) |
Pages 68 (engagement with our workforce), 67 (involvement in virtual onboarding), 69 (induction site visits), 68 (EWC meetings and EWC representative attending Remuneration Committee meetings and Remuneration Committee Chairman attending EWC Executive meeting) |
| Our customers | Pages 3 (engagement), 9 (collaboration) | Page 68 (engagement with our customers via updates from sales, marketing and innovation functions) |
| Our investors | Page 3 (engagement) | Pages 67 (engagement with our shareholders) |
| The environment and communities |
Pages 3 (engagement and charitable giving), 32 (engagement with ESG rating agencies) |
Pages 67 (discussion of environmental impact assessments), 68 (engagement with other stakeholders including briefing on community engagement) |
| Governments and non governmental organisations |
Page 3 (engagement) | Page 68 (engagement with other stakeholders including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation) |
| Our suppliers | Page 3 (engagement and supplier standards) | Page 68 (engagement with our suppliers via updates from Group procurement) |
This statement is made in conformity with the requirement to explain how directors fulfil section 172 of the Companies Act 2006.
Our business model is focused on value-adding corrugated packaging and supported by upstream paper production and recycled paper collection.
We employ around 29,000 people globally and develop them so they can realise their potential. Our values and management standards guide how we operate.
We have an extensive network of packaging manufacturing sites, paper mills, recycling depots and innovation centres, supported by the infrastructure of the countries in which we operate.
We interact in a way consistent with our corporate values to build and maintain trusted relationships with our customers, suppliers and communities.
We have substantial customer understanding, innovation and patented designs.
We are funded by a combination of shareholder equity, debt and reinvested cash flow.
We operate a circular model through the recycling of natural material, in particular wood fibre.
OCC: old corrugated cases, i.e. used corrugated board, a feedstock for recycled paper CCM: corrugated case material, the paper used to form corrugated board
We work with leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) brand owners, major retailers and industrial companies. This breadth of interaction means that we have considerable knowledge of how changing consumer, retail and regulatory trends affect the use of packaging. We use this insight to inform our innovation.
Our Impact Centres are where we showcase our insight and our designers partner with customers to create inspiring, innovative packaging solutions. Best practice is shared across all our regions.
We are also innovators in the use of light-weight corrugated board. Our proprietary technology to test the strength of corrugated board as it is manufactured means we can use the optimum paper weight required.
See more on pages 18 and 19
Using our network of designers and PackRight Centres, we create packaging that fulfils our customers' requirements for all stages of the primary product's journey, whether improving protection in transit, ease of identification in the supply cycle, or presenting the primary product to maximise sales.
Our paper mills manufacture corrugated case material (CCM) and our corrugated plants convert CCM into corrugated board, then print, cut and pre-glue the boxes, which are then shipped flat on pallets, ready for assembly and filling at our customers' factories. We maximise the efficiency of our manufacturing, for example, using light-weight papers where possible to reduce the cost and carbon impact of the packaging produced.
We develop packaging that helps our customers sell more, reduce costs, manage risks and become circular-ready.
Our packaging is usually fully recyclable and made from largely recycled material. We recycle more packaging than we produce.
Investors benefit from strong operational and financial performance.
We aim to create equality of opportunity for people to grow and develop throughout their career in a safe working environment.
We are leading the debate on packaging sustainability through our engagement with major organisations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
We have an active programme of community involvement in addition to satisfying a societal need for recyclable packaging.
DS Smith is in a strong position to capitalise on the opportunities that current market changes present. Scale, innovation and sustainability are the most material differentiators; scale drives our flexibility and agility, innovation meets changing customer needs, while sustainability is at the heart of our offering.
Our packaging and paper operations cover 34 countries giving the widest coverage of any packaging company across Europe. We have around 29,000 employees and over 300 manufacturing sites, including our growing operations in the US.
Our footprint matches our customers' requirements. Our large customers are multinational, so require a global, consistent approach to their packaging. For example, over 50 per cent of our boxes are for customers served in more than one country.
Customers are increasingly looking for closer partnership with their suppliers and need to work with fewer, more sophisticated suppliers.
Our people have a deep understanding of our customers as a result of working closely with them over many years. Our understanding around emerging trends and creativity to design innovative, sophisticated packaging that solves our customers' challenges, helps us to develop our relationships further by extending the ranges, categories and services we provide. As a demonstration of this success, our average rate of box volume growth among large customers has been over 10 per cent over the last three years, considerably ahead of Group volume growth.
DS Smith is a leader in packaging innovation, with c. 700 designers and innovators. Through our network of innovation hubs, nine Impact Centres, and 42 PackRight Centres, supported by designers at our manufacturing sites, we work collaboratively with customers to solve their challenges. To offer a more flexible approach we have created an enhanced customer experience through virtual collaboration.
Innovation is delivered by DS Smith and then applied across our wide customer base. Examples of innovation are performance packaging and ParceLive.
Our packaging is vital to keep supply chains running, meet the complex needs of our customers and ensure that each valuable product is making it safely to its destination. With supply chains becoming more integrated and demanding, we strive to maximise the performance of our packaging, such as strength, while reducing costs and the amount of material used.
Innovative seasonal gift packaging for BrewDog
By using performance as the basis of supply, we provide packaging that delivers a certain performance rather than being specified by the weight of paper used. Our industry-first science-based optimisation programme PACE™ (Performance, Assurance, Consistency & Environmental excellence) enables us to guarantee performance. Using proprietary technology, we measure the board strength throughout the process to optimise the use of fibre. We analyse the supply chain challenges to define the right specification and deliver cost, efficiency and carbon savings for our customers. Other innovation includes ParceLive, an advanced multi-sensory tracker allowing us to record real-time data linked to every touchpoint along the supply chain.
Advising global brands, we engage early in their product development process. This includes providing design input on the development of their primary packaging with a focus on sustainability and circularity, efficiency and brand consistency throughout all the packaging touchpoints.
Sustainability is at the heart of our offering and our circular business model delivers corrugated packaging made from renewable resources that are recyclable in our closed loop systems. Through this approach we keep valuable materials in use for longer, reducing waste. By prioritising recycled papers and championing responsible forest management, we help protect our natural resources and create value for our customers. As our customers set ambitious sustainability targets and consumers demand more sustainable packaging, we can help our customers to get ready for the circular economy.
The decisions we make during the packaging design stage can have a domino effect on cost, carbon and other environmental efficiencies in supply chains. Our Circular Design Principles are a key tool for our designers to protect brands and products, not use more materials than necessary, design for supply cycle efficiency, design to keep materials in use and find a better way by always challenging the status quo.
Retail channels are changing – with the most dramatic change being the growth in e-commerce. This has been accelerated by the lockdowns due to Covid-19 and the growth is forecast to continue.
At present, supply chains are not always optimised for e-commerce, resulting in repacking at points in the supply chain, which is costly and inefficient. At the same time, customers who do go to bricks-and-mortar shops expect to find products visually appealing and accessible, and as such the emphasis on display packaging and retail-ready packaging continues to grow.
The e-commerce packaging supply cycle presents many challenges and we estimate that there are ten times the chance of product damage in the home delivery route versus the traditional supply chain to a store. Our proprietary innovation DISCS™ (Drop, Impact, Shock, Crush, Shake) simulates e-commerce supply chains and allows us to create high-performing packaging solutions which ensure our customers' products are received by their customers in optimal condition. This technology dramatically shortens the design and innovation cycle of new e-commerce packaging.
As consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable packaging solutions, replacing single-use plastic is a priority for many customers. We work with retailers and brand owners to develop innovative sustainable designs that replace plastic solutions across categories, including fruit and veg punnets, e-commerce packaging, retail and point-of-sale solutions. Another example is ECO Bowl, a new, more sustainable alternative to plastic packaging for frozen, chilled and ambient food. Our target is to take one billion pieces of problem plastics off supermarket shelves by 2025.
Corrugated packaging is our primary product and we are 'short paper', i.e. a net buyer of paper across the Group as a whole, while in the US we are over 100 per cent integrated. We choose to be short in paper in Europe, particularly in the German and surrounding regions. This is due to the excess supply position of the market in these regions and the associated significant volatility and generally low financial returns. We expect our short position to increase as we grow our packaging business and we source more paper from new external capacity that is being added to the general market.
Our innovative corrugated alternative to plastic fruit punnets is designed to appeal to consumers.
"Our Purpose, 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World', has never been more apt and we are well positioned to capitalise on a dynamic global environment."
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive
I am extremely proud of the commitment, professionalism and flexibility of our employees over the past year, keeping all our plants operational and responding to our customers' needs throughout the period. We invested significantly to ensure that we had the right procedures in place to ensure the wellbeing and safety of every one of our employees.
Meanwhile, in spite of the pandemic, we have maintained our track record of winning market share through our fibre-based offering focused on fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and e-commerce customers, with growth across our largest customers, in particular, continuing. Our US business has seen good underlying progress over the past year, reflecting the recent investment in our new plant in Indiana and the award of a number of significant supply contracts from major FMCG companies.
Covid-19 has accelerated some of the trends we were seeing previously, including the growth in e-commerce and demand for sustainable packaging. As we enter recovery, we believe we will see a continued structural change in how people shop and live. With much of this growth in e-commerce expected to be permanent, DS Smith is well positioned as the leading provider of e-commerce packaging in Europe to benefit, having invested in innovation and development in this market segment for many years.
Innovation is a critical part of our strategy and as we reinforce our position as the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, we have worked closely with a number of partners over the past year to further expand our offering.
Examples of our partnerships include ClimaCell®, which offers a replacement for plastic cool chain with 100 per cent recyclable options, as well as Touchguard, who we have worked with to develop anti-microbial packaging to provide an additional layer of protection across the value chain.
Our Now and Next sustainability strategy positions DS Smith at the forefront of the packaging industry and sets a clear roadmap to address immediate challenges, while also working to meet the needs of the next generation by creating solutions that are aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
By taking a whole systems approach, we have an opportunity to make significant progress against our environmental, social and governance responsibilities.
Meanwhile, our business model is inherently circular and our box-to-box model in 14 days is representative of our commitment to this and we continue to manage more recycling than we put on the market.
Over the past five years, DS Smith has achieved a 23 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per tonne of production of our
Our strategy is based on balancing the requirements of our core stakeholders:
historic target of a 30 per cent reduction by 2030. However, we recognised that we must go further. As a manufacturing business, this has to include decisions on which technologies to invest in at what time to ensure maximum reduction of carbon per pound of investment. I am therefore delighted to announce our commitment to a science-based target by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050, which will support our production of fully renewable and recyclable packaging. To further underline our ambition, we have also joined the UN's Race to Zero.
However, in addition to our carbon commitments it is also critical to consider our wider impact. Following the launch of our Purpose, 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World', in 2019, we recognised there was a gap between our ambition and our existing nine long-term sustainability goals and hence our Now and Next sustainability strategy was launched in 2020.
The strategy sets out four key pillars, alongside a continued commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions and care for forests and biodiversity wherever we operate. The key areas of the strategy will drive sustainable growth at DS Smith, including a focus on closing the loop through better design; protecting natural resources by making the most of every fibre; reducing waste and pollution through circular solutions; and equipping people to lead the transition to a circular economy.
We will be measuring our progress towards these goals, holding ourselves accountable to our stakeholders through regular indices and processes like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circulytics benchmark.
We announced plans to expand packaging production through investment in two new, state-of-the-art facilities in Poland and Italy, which will provide a platform for organic growth in the regions. The facilities will deliver cutting-edge manufacturing technology, innovation and sustainable performance.
The investments follow significant growth over the past three years in these markets and support DS Smith's ambitious plans for organic growth. We see good returns from investing in growth markets, and we are financing it through the organic cash flow.
Innovation is a critical part of our strategy and our long-term strategic direction focused on FMCG and consumer markets, embracing e-commerce and technology-based solutions, has been accelerated by consumer trends resulting from the pandemic. The business has continued to grow volumes despite challenging macro-economic conditions. Corrugated box volumes have grown progressively throughout the financial year with the second half achieving a volume increase in excess of 8 per cent over the comparative period last year.
We recognise that diversity is key to our continued success. Creating a diverse and inclusive culture is core to our values and Purpose. I am pleased with the progress we have made in this area over the past year, which includes the expansion of our diversity and inclusion forum with representation from across the business to develop the networks and local action plans that will have the biggest positive impact for our people and the communities they serve. This is supported by a programme of awareness training. Meanwhile, 37.5 per cent of our Board members are women, meeting the Hampton-Alexander Review's target. We have made significant progress over the past two years on women in senior positions, while we have achieved gender parity on offers for our graduate programme.
While we are hopeful that the vaccine will mark a turning point in the pandemic and a road to recovery, we are facing an uncertain macro-economic outlook for the upcoming year. However, our focus on resilient FMCG and e-commerce markets, as well as demand for sustainable packaging solutions within these critical value chains, will give us the platform to drive market gains and reinforce our strategic customer partnerships across our integrated footprint.
As a business, we are focused on delivering for all our stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders who expect us to deliver real value and grow our business in a sustainable way over the coming year.
Sales, Marketing and Innovation Director, Packaging Q How would you describe your customer portfolio?
We work with some of the world's most visible and iconic brands. We have a diverse customer base, but our market share in the dynamic fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) category is well above the corrugated industry average and, over the past year, we have worked hard to ensure that they have benefitted from innovation, sustainable solutions and most importantly continuity of supply to keep goods moving throughout the pandemic.
Q How do you partner with your customers?
Our job is to add value to these brands by making them attractive to new consumers, available when shoppers look for them online or in-store and helping our customers' products to be sold at the targeted price-position. In addition, we focus on transforming the design of point-of-sale, to shorten supply chain complexities and allow our customers to be quicker to market.
We help customers meet consumer demand for more sustainable solutions and respond better to changing retail channels, including the fast growth in e-commerce. Our end-to-end approach is adopted by many of our multinational accounts and has been a real source of value growth in these relationships. We engage our customers about their future business priorities and opportunities and create shared roadmaps to meet their future needs.
The proportion of our orders that are delivered on-time, in-full across our businesses.
Packaging is an essential part of an efficient supply chain. Delivering as promised is a critical component to ensuring we remain a trusted partner to our customers.
In the year 2020/21 our overall OTIF remained at 95 per cent, despite the significant disruption caused by Covid-19, close to our overall target of 97 per cent. We continue to strive for higher service levels.
solutions
We have a diverse customer base, with over 80 per cent of our customers being fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and other consumer products. This compares to the market in Europe which is c. 73 per cent consumer goods, making our market share in the dynamic FMCG category well above the corrugated industry average. This is important to our business model as the food, drink and personal care categories are resilient in an uncertain economic outlook. These are goods that consumers use in their everyday lives and purchase regularly from supermarkets and, increasingly, online. FMCG customers require high quality, innovative, valueadding packaging. We invest in the insights and innovation needed to meet this demand; and deliver this on a multinational scale.
FMCG customers require packaging that helps build brand loyalty. Packaging can add real value to the brand experience. To stand out, consumer goods packaging is diverse and creative, and packaging plays a role in marketing a product within a competitive retail environment beyond simply providing protection. FMCG customers want value. We approach packaging at every step of the supply chain to ensure that it provides sustainable, optimised performance from end-to-end.
FMCG customers have a global outlook. Our multinational customers require a partner that has a geographic footprint which matches their own. DS Smith is exceptional in having the scale, expertise and innovative approaches to support our customers around the world. Over the past year, we have onboarded key global accounts across our US operations and specifically utilised our Indiana site, which continues to expand operations.
FMCG customers demand secure supply of goods. By creating joint business contingency plans we secure continuity of operations and resilience of our supply chains.
cost
the supply chain
right packaging
Supplying customers across the globe, we are a leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging and speciality papers made from 100 per cent recycled or chain of custody certified fibre sources. The high performing packaging papers we produce, such as corrugated case materials and kraftliners, are integral in allowing the Group's packaging division to produce sustainable paper-based packaging solutions. Our customers for speciality papers, such as plasterboard liners, come from across a variety of industries including construction, printing, food manufacturing, stationery supplies and education.
Combining our expertise of 16 mills across Europe and North America with a forward-thinking research and development focus enables us to provide customers with the high performing quality papers they need for their onward manufacturing operations. Through our stringent quality measurement systems and ability to track fibre through the complete papermaking process, we ensure delivery of high quality finished papers to all our customers. Our commitment is to create sustainable, high performing papers, that deliver the packaging solutions needed in an ever-changing world.
We provide recycling and waste management services to companies of all sizes across a diverse range of sectors in both Europe and North America. From municipalities and waste management companies, to printers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and some of the best-known brands and retailers the world over, our customers benefit from our recycling expertise. We partner with organisations large and small to keep over six million tonnes of paper and cardboard out of landfill or incineration every year. The paper and cardboard we collect for recycling serves our own paper mills as part of our closed loop recycling business model, while also being sold into our global network of third-party paper mills.
With a full recycling and waste management service, we work with our customers to reduce waste and recycle more. By innovating around collection infrastructures and working with customers to build recyclability into their supply chains, we are helping to provide solutions for our customers' and wider society's biggest recycling challenges.
In 2020 we took our experience and expertise gathered from our pan-European network of recycling operations to help support our customers in North America, with the launch of our first dedicated recycling operation in the US. This new plant can handle over 36,000 tons of paper and cardboard, helping to facilitate fully closed loop packaging and recycling solutions for our customers in this region.
mean for DS Smith? For us, inclusion starts with the belief that everyone, regardless of background, is valued, respected and has
the opportunity to flourish. It is about embracing our differences and valuing the creative opportunities that brings for our business and customers. These principles are core to our diversity and inclusion programme across the Group.
To support our colleagues working remotely we ran a pulse survey and nearly 3,500 colleagues participated. Remaining at the workplace throughout the pandemic brought different challenges for our front-line operational colleagues, so we also ensured their feedback was heard. We actively used all of our employee feedback to improve our support to employee health, safety and wellbeing.
Opening up access to development opportunities remained a core priority. Covid-19 challenged us to reconsider how we deliver learning. Our learning and development community rose to the challenge to continue to increase the range and accessibility of the learning offer and we accelerated our move to providing more blended solutions using virtual learning, immersive learning and e-learning, delivering a fourfold increase in all learning.
The number of lost time accidents (LTAs) per million hours worked.
We have a strong focus on individual ownership, and we believe that by engaging our people to contribute to a safe working environment and culture, everyone can influence a reduction in our AFR.
A healthy and safe working environment and culture is the cornerstone of any responsible, sustainable and profitable business. In the context of our health and safety aim of zero harm, our target AFR is zero.
The past year has been like no other. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect, touching every aspect of how we work. It is therefore a remarkable achievement that against this ever changing and increasingly demanding landscape, we have managed to maintain and improve our health and safety performance. We are very pleased with this tremendous achievement.
| Health and safety key | 2020/21 | 2019/20 | Variance vs. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| performance indicators | Reported | 3 Pro forma |
pro forma | |
| Total LTAs1 | 102 | 97 | 119 | -14% |
| AFR2 | 2.06 | 2.08 | 2.40 | -14% |
Lost time accident (LTA): number of accidents resulting in lost time of one shift or more.
Accident frequency rate (AFR): number of LTAs per million hours worked.
Pro forma data adjusted for acquisitions and disposals.
To realise our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' we need a modern, diverse, motivated and engaged workforce where everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential. We are passionate about working together, sharing ideas and exploring new ways to innovate and delight our customers; it is fundamental to our business success. These values have been at the forefront during the past year. Our priority has been the health and wellbeing of our people, continuing to serve our customers and to support the communities we serve.
At the same time, we have not lost focus or momentum on building an inclusive workplace, recognising the contribution of colleagues across the business and providing development opportunities for all. As we look forward, we are building on the experience and learning gained through the Covid-19 pandemic to shape new sustainable ways of working that recognise the importance of flexibility, connectedness and mental health and wellbeing.
We are highly ambitious about health and safety with a focus on continual improvement and high standards to achieve our target of zero harm.
Our vision is to provide a working environment and culture where health and safety is integral to our business and all our people actively engage in our drive to continuous health and safety excellence.
The campaign for zero harm focuses on our four main strategic goals:
Leadership – Our successful health and safety onboarding programme has continued this year, albeit virtually, inducting all new and promoted site managers into the behaviours and mindsets required to perform as health and safety leaders. In addition, virtual roll out has commenced of our Fundamentals of First Line Management programme which incorporates content consistent with the senior manager programme. Our next focus is to create content applicable for all our employees to support the drive of required health and safety mindset and behaviours further into the organisation.
In 2020/21 we also developed and launched our bespoke e-learning sessions on incident investigation and risk assessment for our health and safety professionals. The aim is to ensure a consistent understanding and service on these topics across our sites. The focus on developing the leadership and technical skills of our health and safety professionals has been very warmly received and will continue into 2021/22.
Engagement – Our new proactive internal KPI, the health and safety engagement rate (measuring the number of near misses/ safety observations per person) has increased significantly this year, up by 15 per cent. We are particularly pleased with this, as it reflects our people's engagement with seeing and raising health and safety standards.
Engagement with critical health and safety processes, like Lock Out, Tag Out, Try Out (LOTOTO) are essential to ensure safe working environments. This year we launched a competition inviting our employees to create materials which would inspire and motivate others to use LOTOTO. The response was fantastic with over 63 innovative entries. The chosen top ten were incorporated into a montage for display at sites, whilst the top three entries were put to a vote with over 960 employees taking part.
The eventual winner was Timisoara, our Romanian site – with a very moving and inspiring film which has been translated into our core languages for use in training and raising awareness.
Processes – We completed a Group-wide auditing process this year which resulted in an overall audit score increase of 8 per cent. We are pleased with the progress all sites are making to meet our very high standards of health and safety and in 2021/22 we will continue to develop our Group-wide minimum standards to challenge us further on our Vision Zero journey.
Culture – All our work on leadership, engagement, systems and processes is designed to drive a culture of continuous improvement and setting high standards. We firmly believe that we are building the foundations to drive the change in our culture to achieve sustainably excellent performances, year-on-year. This year we celebrated 246 sites with zero accidents by awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates. Ten of our sites achieved our prestigious Gold award, showing excellence in audit scores and health and safety engagement in addition to zero accidents. These sites were celebrated at our first ever Smithies event (see page 28 for more information).
The winning core LOTOTO Team (General Manager, Gabriel Balogh; HSE Manager, Tiberiu Tozser; Production Manager, Christian Schmidt; Corrugator Coordinator, Marius Brisc). DS Smith Packaging Timisoara, Romania
"The great reaction we received to our competition entry shows that the story touched the hearts of many colleagues and is proof that all at DS Smith are very connected to the topic of health and safety. We are proud to be the competition winners out of a group of highly responsible and engaged teams throughout the organisation and we are continuing to drive the health and safety procedures."
Gabriel Balogh, General Manager, DS Smith Packaging Timisoara, Romania.
The changing world, with restrictions and lockdowns, has meant increased demands on our employees' physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, this year we have been refreshing and consolidating our strategy on this highly important subject, incorporating best practice from internal and external benchmarking. Our new framework is designed to build positive, healthy working environments, enabling our people to thrive and perform sustainably. To achieve this our framework focuses on four key areas:
Taking The Lead – Encouraging everyone to visibly and demonstrably set the example and champion health and wellbeing
Learning & Development – Providing knowledge and information to empower people to take ownership of their physical and mental wellbeing
Engagement – Working together, involving and including all our colleagues to continuously improve health and wellbeing
Toolkits – Providing best practice tools to inspire and motivate positive and healthy people and workplaces
In summary, our aim for 2021/22 is to build on our foundations and focus on achieving sustainable world-class performances in health, safety and wellbeing across our Group.
At DS Smith we are committed to our learning and development strategy which is to:
We launched 'DS Smith Learning', our virtual home for learning, open to colleagues from across the business, which provides access to our library of learning programmes.
This offers online learning and resources as well as curated content on core management and leadership skills and dedicated professional development content for functional and specialist colleagues.
During 2020/21 we have seen a fourfold increase in the volume of learning and development activity taking place across the business. Our e-learning platform provides access to both generic development content, books, videos and audio as well as bespoke DS Smith content on subjects ranging from paper making to continuous improvement practices and our sales processes, and has seen over 10,000 users. Alongside this platform we provide a range of bitesize virtual training modules prioritising learning most relevant to current business challenges and equipping managers to support their team in topics such as leading remote teams, resilience and change management, with more than 4,000 attendees between September 2020 and April 2021.
We are continuing to work with our external partner Oxford Saïd Business School. Our Global Leadership Programme and Aspire Programmes were moved successfully to virtual delivery and expanded to reflect new challenges which have faced our leaders during Covid-19.
"Aspire is a great opportunity to discuss and reflect about yourself as being a leader. The mix of content given by professionals of the Oxford Saïd Business School as well as the open exchange with other DS Smith leaders within and beyond the courses gives you a fantastic chance to improve your leadership skills. Bringing Aspire to a digital level was an inevitable step, but due to regular vibrant online sessions it's not a loss at all."
"For me personally Aspire is an absolutely inspiring programme which strongly supported me to grow my confidence into my leadership skills. The regular – now virtual – exchange with colleagues across the business is giving so many new perspectives and reflects an incredibly valuable part of the programme."
Our internal 'Fundamentals of First Line Management' modular programme was also rapidly redesigned for virtual delivery by our team of 50 in-house trainers and we aim to reach 3,000 managers by the end of 2020/21. Here are some quotes from recent attendees:
"I liked the delivery and content, it gives the FLM good tools to use and will improve us as managers."
"The exercises challenged me to be more self-aware and understand how my natural self can be used to manage people and situations."
Webinars and other resources have covered content as diverse as boundary management – juggling home and work-life, parenting, mindfulness and wellbeing.
This hugely impactful resource will continue to grow in 2021/22 to ensure that we provide learning pathways which align to the needs of our business and meet the challenges of new ways of working. We are passionate about providing all our colleagues with opportunities to grow in their current roles and to meet aspirations for the future.
Having capable managers who enable our people to thrive and perform at their best is a core pillar of our strategy and is reflected in our strategic people risk priorities (organisational capability risk) outlined on page 54. Our Group values and management standards provide clarity around expectations and consistency in our management practices across the Group.
During 2020/21 we launched our refreshed and simplified standards with four core standards on health, safety and environment, customer, team management and our focus on continuous improvement – 'the DS Smith Way'. The standards are embedded in our performance management approach and underpinned with guidance and training to bring them to life.
We continue to take action to grow a strong and diverse pipeline of leadership talent. During 2021 additional cohorts will join our Global Leadership and Aspire programmes delivered in partnership with the Oxford Saïd Business School. Alumni from both programmes are increasingly taking the lead as coaches and mentors for emerging talent across the Group.
In addition, we will pilot a targeted career development offer for mid-level female talent to continue to accelerate progress towards a more gender diverse leadership population.
By giving all employees a voice, we create the opportunity to improve their work experience and feel pride in working for DS Smith.
During the year, responding to the need to support and engage colleagues working remotely we deployed a real-time pulse survey in which nearly 3,500 colleagues participated.
Feedback told us that they felt supported by their managers and had confidence their safety was being prioritised but there was more we could do to help them manage some of the challenges of remote working. The findings directly influenced the immediate response locally and are now shaping new ways of working that support greater flexibility, working in remote teams and staying connected with colleagues as well as informing our new health and wellbeing strategy.
Recognising that remaining at the workplace throughout the pandemic brought specific challenges for our front-line operational colleagues, we have worked hard to ensure their feedback is heard. Across locations in the UK and the Nordic countries we sought feedback by enabling front-line operational colleagues to participate in digital surveys. At a time when a second wave of infections was being recorded and social restrictions were tightening, most colleagues reported a strong sense of togetherness, positive line manager support and that they felt able to continue to work safely.
Understanding what matters to colleagues and how we help them to thrive and succeed continues to be the priority. 2021/22 will see the introduction of our new Let's Keep Talking initiative as we focus on keeping conversations going. We will pilot new technology including on-site touchscreen feedback kiosks as well as checking in with all 29,000 of our people via our engagement survey.
To focus wellbeing communications in our North American business, the team has introduced concise, bi-weekly communications providing tips on preserving and improving mental and physical health. A DS Smith employee is featured each week to provide insight into their wellness strategies.
In 2020 we launched a global recognition programme – The Smithies – to recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond and excel at what they do – our hidden gems of DS Smith. We were determined that the challenges of restricted travel and social distancing would not prevent us celebrating their successes and so created an online awards event that proved to be an inspiring and inclusive highlight of the year.
The first Smithies event was held virtually in September recognising 28 finalists and seven winners, watched by thousands of employees across the world. In a post-event poll, 99 per cent said they were more inspired to recognise their colleagues.
The purpose of our European Works Council (EWC) is to bring together employee representatives from the different European countries where we operate. The aim of the EWC is to engage employees through an effective information and consultation process focused on business decisions which affect the workforce and impact on the interests of employees. This improves business outcomes, individuals' contribution to the business and development opportunities.
We worked closely with the EWC members to prioritise areas where we can jointly improve policies and processes. 2020/21 has seen us work in partnership to develop joint action plans to address aspects of health and safety, diversity and inclusion, sustainable employment and fairness in the workplace.
"The secret to the success of the DS Smith EWC is no secret; we work together with senior management to jointly improve policies and processes within the Company. The EWC and senior management both understand that we all want to bring the business forward. We do not claim to be perfect, but we are working hard at trying to make DS Smith an employer of choice and make our colleagues proud to work here. This takes mutual respect and hard work from all of us, and the reward is to be described by people outside of the Company as setting the standard in Europe for EWCs. True to our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World'."
Joseph Reed, European Works Council Chairman
2020/21 has seen us delivering on the actions in our diversity and inclusion plan, to build awareness and ownership and embed the principles of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our people policies and practices. We implemented our Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination policy. The policy sets clear expectations about inclusion and a zero tolerance for discrimination, but we know that real change comes from people not policies. To ensure this has a practical positive impact on inclusion, we are focusing on building real understanding and engagement, working in partnership with our employee forums. Translated into multiple languages, the policy is supported by modules adapted for both online and site-based learning and engaging videos addressing unconscious bias and building inclusive leadership.
Meaningful change starts at the top and during the year we developed an inclusive leadership virtual workshop built around a simple but powerful framework of 'Courage, Curiosity and Trust'. Over 100 of our senior leaders have participated globally so far and they now form an internationally and culturally diverse alumni group, role modelling and extending the principles into their teams. We will continue to extend participation during 2021/22.
We understand that with such an international and diverse business, the specific diversity and inclusion challenges will differ between regions. That is why we established a diversity and inclusion forum with representation from across the business to build the inclusive networks and local action plans that will have the biggest positive impact for our people and the communities they serve.
The year has seen the forum go from strength to strength, driving engagement and action across the business. In the UK, the leadership team has hosted roundtable events with external speakers sharing insights and ideas on a range of diversity and inclusion topics. From celebrating Black History Month with our US team to hosting a range of events and activities on International Women's Day, colleagues are taking the lead on inclusion.
The coming year will see us increasingly connecting our work across inclusion and wellbeing as both are at the heart of a sustainable healthy workplace.
We voluntarily take part in the Hampton-Alexander Review which sets out recommendations for FTSE 350 companies to improve the representation of women both on their executive committees and the direct reports to those committees. DS Smith has three committees that together comprise our Executive Committee; Group Operating Committee, the Group Strategy Committee and the Group Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee, as described on page 71.
The Hampton-Alexander Review set a target of 33 per cent female representation on FTSE 350 boards by 2020. The 2020 report was published in February 2021 and represents women on Boards as of 11 January 2021 and senior management as at 31 October 2020.
Our position at that date is outlined below:
| Ranking in industry sector (general industrials) | 4th |
|---|---|
| Overall FTSE 100 ranking | 44th |
| Women on plc Board | 37.5%* |
| Female Executive Committee and direct reports | 30.2%** |
* Compared to FTSE 100 average of 36.2%. ** Compared to FTSE 100 average of 30.6%.
Our gender split as of 30 April 2021 is outlined in the table below:
We have adopted the Hampton-Alexander Review definition of senior management to provide a consistent and comparable measure of progress on gender diversity.
It has been historically challenging to attract women into our industry, but we are determined to make progress. As a result of our continued action on graduate recruitment 2021, 64 per cent of our offers went to female candidates.
"As part of the Packaging graduate scheme, I get the opportunity to work across multiple projects that involve some of the world's biggest brands, and it is so rewarding to work on something that creates such a positive impact for both people and planet. It is such an exciting time to be a part of a brand that continuously anticipates the opportunity for packaging to lead the way in sustainability, and I look forward to being a part of this along my graduate journey."
We are also reviewing our broader talent attraction strategy and developing external partnerships to engage with women at all stages of their careers to understand what they want from a modern workplace and encourage them to consider joining us. We are now a corporate member of the WISE (Women In Science and Engineering) campaign that promotes opportunities for women in STEM careers and are working with our recruitment team to reach a broader audience, showcasing our female talent and demonstrating the diversity of opportunities available across the business.
For gender pay gap reporting we choose to report not only on the UK legal entities where headcount is above 250, but on the UK total figures to provide a comprehensive view. This year the mean gender pay gap was 3.5 per cent (4.7 per cent in 2019) whilst the median gender pay gap was 6.2 per cent (6.7 per cent in 2019). The improvement is encouraging but to move further we need more women in senior positions and are working hard to deepen the leadership pipeline. We currently have 32 per cent in our global senior management population. We know that gaining exposure to strategy development is key for executive succession and three female leaders now sit on two of the Group Executive Committees.
During 2021/22 we will pilot and launch a new mid-level female career development programme to accelerate the progression of female talent into senior leadership roles. We have also further extended mentoring and executive coaching support.
You can find our detailed UK gender pay gap report on dssmith.com by searching 'gender pay gap report'. This explains the reasons for the gap and information on the actions we have in place to help close the gap. However, the UK only represents a small proportion of our total workforce and our policies and practices are applied globally.
Head of Sustainability, Government and Community Affairs
We have been collaborating across the business to ensure that our people have the tools they need to deliver change. During the launch, we briefed over 2,100 managers through online seminars and interactive training, inviting employees to be involved in achieving our ambitious targets. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities to deliver progress have been established and we have invested in our reporting capabilities to regularly evaluate our performance.
Our customers, like us, see the urgency in moving beyond the traditional 'take-make-dispose' model to a circular system built for long-term, multiple lifecycles. We believe that there is an enormous opportunity to do more with corrugated board to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, particularly as an alternative to plastic, which remains difficult to recycle in practice. Many of our Now and Next targets respond to this opportunity.
In 2020/21, we challenged consultants to help us to increase our ambition on carbon reduction and to optimise our decarbonisation roadmap. We are pleased to announce our commitment to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 and a science-based target for 2030. We have a strong roadmap of investments coming online in the coming years that will reduce our emissions, paving the way for our circular packaging to play a powerful role in helping brands and consumers reduce their carbon footprint.
For more information about how we are leading the way in sustainability with our Now and Next sustainability strategy, please refer to the latest DS Smith Sustainability Report and DS Smith Sustainability Databook 2021, which include additional metrics and further information on our sustainability performance.
We have again been awarded the LSE Green Economy Mark, as we derive substantial revenues from environmental solutions.
In 2020/21, we achieved our target to train 100 per cent of our designers on the circular economy, ensuring our designers are skilled in building circularity into packaging design. Our community of over 700 designers is actively applying our Circular Design Principles, developed in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to hundreds of thousands of new packaging designs. We are progressing against our target to manufacture 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging, a target originally set with a deadline of 2025 but that we have brought forward to 2023, with 99.2 per cent (2019/20: 98 per cent) of packaging manufactured in 2020/21 meeting this standard. We continue to pilot substitutes for a small remainder of materials that are presently difficult to recycle, such as wax coatings.
Our designers have developed over 650 designs representing hundreds of thousands of products geared towards plastic replacement. In 2020/21, 53.9 million pieces of problem plastics were removed from supply chains and replaced with recyclable corrugated alternatives. We are also optimising transport by developing solutions to remove wasted air in transit and lessen the number of lorries on the road. In 2020/21, we invested in the capability within our Value Tool to gather data to measure progress against our target to remove 250,000 lorries from the road by 2025. We have begun to explore new business models for the rise in e-commerce waste and carbon-neutral packaging.
In 2020/21, over 2,500 employees in design, senior management and leadership, graduate and procurement roles completed formal circular economy training, representing 9 per cent of employees overall. Our next step is to engage sales and marketing teams as we extend learning opportunities to eventually reach all our people. A further 57 senior leaders and others participated in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Circular Economy Masterclass, delivered by the University of Exeter. In 2020/21, we engaged over 519,000 people on the circular economy and circular lifestyles through online content, including posts 'liked' and shared, videos viewed, and reports downloaded. We developed a lesson plan for school engagement. We streamed a pilot of this live lesson via YouTube, where over 100 families participated, and hope to be able to spend more time in our communities next year to promote the circular economy and circular lifestyles.
In 2020/21, fibre use in around a quarter of new packaging solutions was fully optimised for individual supply chains, ensuring that whilst we use recycled fibre where we can, virgin fibre consumption is minimised as far as practicable. There is a significant opportunity to increase this, given that optimisation leads to less impact , as transporting fewer fibres through the production process requires less water and energy. We maintain our standard that 100 per cent of papers used are sourced from recycled or chain of custody certified sources, having achieved this target in 2019/20. Furthermore, 100 per cent of our sites1 hold chain of custody certification and we achieved our target for
100 per cent of our forests to be certified, meaning that we comply with the highest social and environmental standards for forestry in the market.
We have delivered a 23 per cent (2019: 20 per cent) reduction in CO2e per tonne of production on a like-for-like basis since 2015, demonstrating pace ahead of our target, driven mostly by investment in energy efficiency and equipment upgrades made at our mills. Our Group carbon emission intensity for 2020 was 212kg CO2e /t nsp (2019: 220kg CO2e /t nsp), a reduction of 4 per cent compared to last year on a like-for-like basis. Following our Group Sustainability Data and Reporting policy and Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance, we have calculated this performance on a like-for-like basis by including estimates of emissions from acquisitions in our base year, which has been independently verified. Our Europac acquisition is therefore included in all figures to enable meaningful comparison.
In 2020, at Belišće Mill c. 27,000 tonnes of CO2e has been saved by purchasing green electricity. Since August 2020, steam generation at Kemsley Mill is powered by the neighbouring Wheelabrator Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, reducing the mill's reliance on fossil fuels, removing c. 8,000 tonnes of CO2e per year. At Lucca Mill, a new aeroderivative gas turbine has been installed in partnership with GE Gas Power, delivering a 2 per cent efficiency improvement, removing c. 4,000 tonnes of CO2e per year. Finally, a new biomass dry line has been installed at Viana Mill, saving c. 3,100 tonnes of CO2e per year. At our packaging plants, our LED lighting rollout now has 36,672 lamps installed at 96 sites, saving c. 14,000 tonnes of CO2e per year. The past year was the first complete year of operation for our state-of-the-art biomass boiler that uses residual low grade timber waste to generate energy for our plant in Värnamo, Sweden; saving c. 2,200 tonnes of CO2e by switching from LPG. Additionally, new CHP plants have been operational for around one year at Blunham and Fordham. These plants generate electrical power for the sites whilst also harnessing the waste heat from the process, increasing overall efficiency. We maintained ISO 50001 certification at 100 per cent of our relevant sites2 , a target achieved in 2019/20, which continues to drive energy efficiency.
Our continued investment in carbon reduction over the coming years will set us on the way to achieving our ambitious climate targets, including a commitment to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, and a science-based target for 2030 which will require at least a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of product compared to 2019. These targets will be validated by the Science Based Target initiative as being in line with what the latest science considers necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. We will begin to report progress towards achieving this new target next year.
We are delighted that in the past year we achieved our target for 100 per cent of sites at risk of current or future water stress to have mitigation plans in place, accounting for 36 per cent of our total water consumption. These plans involve identifying opportunities for water reduction, reuse and recycling, regular reporting on water performance and engagement with local stakeholders, such as the water authority. Further discussion on
Includes all Packaging and Supply Engine (Paper and Paper Sourcing) sites that trade or manufacture products derived from timber.
Includes sites accounting for at least 90 per cent of energy consumption.
water stress as a climate-related risk can be found on page 57. Over the year, six (2019: six) of our mills performed better than our benchmark rates for water consumption, with plans to bring one additional mill per year beneath our benchmark rates, enabling cost savings through improved efficiency. Water abstraction reduced by 5 per cent per tonne of paper production versus last year on a like-for-like basis, driven by behaviour change and improvements made to our operational processes. In the past year we received 21 notifications of water non-conformances from local authorities (2019: 79), a substantial decrease owed to stronger management.
In 2020, waste sent to landfill from our paper mills decreased by 32 per cent per tonne of production compared to last year on a likefor-like basis. Overall for the Group, 268 kt (2019: 348 kt) of waste was sent to landfill. This reduction was driven predominantly by a significant improvement at Zarnesti Mill, which achieved zero operational waste to landfill in the past year. Furthermore, Aschaffenburg, De Hoop and Witzenhausen paper mills sent zero waste to landfill during the past year. At the remaining mills, we are developing innovative, circular solutions for waste. For example, Lucca Mill reduced its landfill by 62 per cent compared to last year owed to reducing rejects and utilising sludge to produce bricks. Pazardzhik Mill diverted landfill waste partly to biogas and compost production, a reduction of 82 per cent compared to last year. Finally, Riceboro Mill reduced landfill waste by 24 per cent through landspread opportunities. With a waste diversion rate of 98.9 per cent in our Packaging division, only 1.1 per cent of waste is sent to landfill, representing c. 6,000 tonnes. This year, we undertook a project to identify common sources of landfilled waste and held a series of workshops to train sites on new waste reduction, reuse and recycle opportunities, leading to a 13 per cent reduction.
Whilst we put sustainability at the heart of our business, we recognise that our impacts also occur in the supply chain and so our target is to ensure that 100 per cent of our suppliers comply with our sustainability standards by 2025. Our Global Supplier Standard (GSS) sets out our expectations and in 2020/21, 100 per cent (2019/20: 74 per cent) of our strategic suppliers and 45 per cent (2019/20: 11 per cent) of our suppliers overall have agreed to our standards. Having rolled out circular economy training to our Procurement function, in January 2021 we introduced a group of suppliers to Circulytics® to invite them to measure their circularity and identify opportunities to become more circular.
With support from the DS Smith Charitable Foundation, we continued to develop our community programme themes of inspiring the next generation through circular lifestyles and protecting our environment through biodiversity. In 2020/21, 57 projects to improve biodiversity were funded by the Charitable Foundation, with a further 47 applications in progress, from wildflower meadows and community gardens to bug hotels and ponds. For example, at DS Smith Kielce in Poland, 130 employees and their families participated in planting over 5,000 trees and funding has been used by our Louth plant to install a beehive and a wildflower meadow. We continue to welcome applications, encouraging our colleagues to act as biodiversity ambassadors. So far, three of our mills have begun biodiversity programmes.
For example, Aschaffenburg Mill is growing wild plant species and significantly improving soil quality at the site, attracting butterflies and bees. At Kemsley Mill, a wildflower meadow and a variety of educational initiatives are being set up. These are just the beginnings of new initiatives that will improve the environment for plants and animals, protect natural habitats and enhance species diversity. We are delighted that for the second year running, 100 per cent of our sites (with greater than 50 employees) engaged in community activity, having achieved this target in 2019/20.
We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our people, with a vision of zero accidents and zero harm. We are an inclusive employer where people can thrive, succeed, and achieve their potential. Information about how we are realising the potential of our people can be found on pages 24-29.
As an employer of around 29,000 people and with an extensive global supply chain involving hundreds of thousands more people, we have a responsibility to identify, prevent and mitigate negative human rights impacts. In 2020/21, we planned and scoped a human rights impact assessment, selected a partner and identified key stakeholders to involve. In 2021/22, we will conduct the assessment, which will highlight the parts of our business with the greatest risk to human rights. Following this, clear actions to manage and mitigate these risks will be identified and addressed.
| KPI | Unit | 2015 (base line) |
2019 (re-stated) |
2020 | Compared to last year |
Compared to base year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct (Scope 1) CO2e emissions | kt CO2e | 2,461 | 2,401 | 2,267 | -6% | -8% |
| Indirect (Scope 2) CO2e emissions | kt CO2e | 967 | 803 | 764 | -5% | -21% |
| Emissions from energy exports | kt CO2e | 717 | 859 | 766 | -11% | 7% |
| Total CO2e (net energy export)1 | kt CO2e | 2,711 | 2,345 | 2,265 | -3% | -16% |
| Energy exported | GWh | 2,187 | 2,112 | 1,924 | -9% | -12% |
| Energy consumption (net)2 | GWh | 17,240 | 16,604 | 16,276 | -2% | -6% |
| Total production | kt nsp* | 9,898 | 10,648 | 10,708 | 1% | 8% |
| Waste to landfill3 | kt | 87 | 348 | 268 | -23% | 208% |
| CO2e per tonne of production | kg CO2e/t nsp* | 274 | 220 | 212 | -4% | -23% |
21% of carbon emissions generated from UK-based operations in 2020.
14% of energy consumption by UK-based operations in 2020.
Waste to landfill 2015 not re-based.
* net saleable production
Greenhouse gas emissions data is collected and reported in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised). As the Company has grown over recent years through acquisitions, our emissions generating activities have increased, making historic performance incomparable to today. Following Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance and our Group Sustainability Data and Reporting policy, we are now including estimations of emissions from acquisitions in our base year and historic years, enabling meaningful comparison of emissions on a like-for-like basis over a long period. In the table above, both 2015 and 2019 figures have been restated to include acquisitions (and remove disposals) to provide a comparison to the business as it exists today. Our latest Sustainability Report includes both recalculated and restated historic emissions and historic emissions as reported, alongside additional materials, energy, water and waste metrics. Definitions, scope and emission factors applied are also provided.
Bureau Veritas UK Limited has been commissioned by DS Smith Plc to provide an independent opinion on the following environmental performance indicators: total energy consumption; total energy exported; Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; raw material usage; water consumption; total water effluent; landfill waste; discharge to air and water; and total production, for calendar year 2020. In addition, the verification scope included review of the estimation calculations used to determine the following information for the restated calendar year 2015 base year data: Scope 1 and 2 (GHG) emissions; emissions from energy exports; and total production. Bureau Veritas UK Limited reported: 'Based on our verification activities and scope of work, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the reported data does not provide a fair representation of environmental performance across DS Smith for the defined period'. A full verification statement including methodology, limitations and exclusions can be found on the DS Smith website (https://www.dssmith.com/sustainability/reports-performance-and-data).
Group Finance Director
Delivery against our KPIs has been good, in the context of Covid-19. We have dramatically out-performed our corrugated box volume target of GDP+1, because our volumes have held up well, with a substantial acceleration in the second half of the year, while GDP has fallen very markedly. The trend has been fuelled by e-commerce which we anticipate continuing to grow, as consumers have adopted online purchasing as part of their way of life. On the other hand, the first half of the year was challenging overall, particularly due to one-off effects from Covid-19, and that impacted the return on sales and return on average capital employed (ROACE) metrics. Looking at the second half of the year, with the bulk of the one-off impacts behind us, then you see an improved return on sales, and I expect to see that continue into the new financial year.
We remain highly focused on cash flow with free cash flow up 37 per cent to £486 million, reflecting a focus on working capital and costs generally. This has resulted in our net debt falling by £306 million to £1,795 million at the year end.
Like-for-like volume of corrugated box products sold (excluding the effect of acquisitions), measured by area.
We target volume growth of at least GDP +1 per cent because we expect to win market share by delivering value to our customers across their supply chain on a multinational basis.
We delivered volume growth of +3.5 per cent, being -1.0 per cent in H1 and +8.2 per cent in H2. The exceptional growth in the second half of the year was driven by very strong demand in particular from e-commerce customers and also a recovering trend in industrial customers. While all regions showed good growth, the UK was the stand-out country, due to our success in e-commerce.
Further information on the calculation of financial KPIs and other non-GAAP performance measures is given in note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.
Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and adjusting items as a percentage of revenue.
The margin we achieve reflects the value we deliver to our customers and our ability to charge for that value. It is also driven by our scale. A higher return on sales makes the profit more resilient to adverse effects.
Return on sales of 8.4 per cent, down 250 basis points on 2020, reflects the reduction in profitability in the year, driven by Covid-19 impacts and a decline in pricing in H1 combined with input cost pressures in H2.
Adjusted net debt (calculated at average FX rates and after deducting IFRS 16 lease liabilities) over earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and adjusting items for the preceding 12 month period (adjusted for acquisitions and disposals made during the financial year, and to remove the income effect of IFRS 16 Leases). This definition is in accordance with the Group's covenants.
Net debt/EBITDA is a key measure of balance sheet strength and financial stability.
Net debt reduced by £306 million to £1,795 million, reflecting strong cash flow, while net debt/EBITDA ended the year at 2.2 times, broadly similar to last year and a good reduction compared to the half year at 2.4 times.
Free cash flow before tax, net interest, growth capex, pension payments and adjusting items as a percentage of earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and adjusting items. Free cash flow is the net movement on debt before cash outflow for adjusting items, dividends paid, acquisition and disposal of subsidiary businesses (including borrowings acquired) and proceeds from issue of share capital.
We focus on cash conversion as part of our wider focus on capital management and maintaining a prudent balance sheet. Working capital is a key focus within the business in order that all capital is employed where it can best deliver returns for the business.
Cash conversion was 150 per cent, in line with our target, reflecting a particularly strong working capital improvement.
Earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and adjusting items as a percentage of average capital employed, including goodwill, over the prior 12 month period.
Our target ROACE to be delivered throughout the economic cycle, is above our cost of capital. ROACE is a key measure of financial success and sustainability of returns and reflects the returns available for investment in the business and for the servicing of debt and equity. All investments and acquisitions are assessed with reference to this target.
ROACE declined 240 basis points to 8.2 per cent, reflecting the reduction in adjusted operating profit for the business in the year on a stable capital base.
Through clear and consistent strategic direction we have positioned our business as a solely fibre-based Group, centred on innovation and sustainability with the scale and expertise to deliver for multinational consumer companies predominantly in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and e-commerce sectors.
The start of the 2020/21 financial year coincided with the initial impacts of Covid-19 being felt across many parts of the business. This manifested in an initial fall in our packaging volumes and significant volatility in the cost of various raw materials. In response we invested in safeguarding the health and safety of our colleagues, and in the security and operational effectiveness of all our sites. This was in addition to carrying additional costs from production underutilisation. The effect of the above was a significant fall in profitability during the first quarter of the year.
With all our sites fully operational and the maintenance of high levels of customer service, we started to see a good gain in market share with increasingly positive volume growth, primarily in the FMCG/e-commerce sectors, during the second quarter of the year. This was combined with a lessening in the volatility of input costs. The second quarter of the year therefore showed a significant improvement in the run-rate of profitability over the first quarter, albeit at a lower level than the comparative period last year.
Encouragingly, the momentum in packaging volumes seen in the second quarter has continued to build throughout the remainder of the financial year resulting in second half growth of 8.2 per cent, against the previous comparative period, which compares to -1.0 per cent in the first half.
The strong demand for packaging was accompanied by an increase in input costs, particularly in the fourth quarter of the financial year. Given the strong demand, and good levels of customer service, these costs are starting to be recovered with good initial progress.
Overall profitability in H2 therefore showed a strong improvement over the first half and significantly closed the underperformance with the comparative period last year. Our US operations have performed very well, particularly in H2, with profit for the year up 70 per cent (on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior year, and H2 63 per cent ahead of H1, reflecting strong corrugated box volumes overall and improved paper and packaging market pricing in the second half.
During the year we continued to invest in our business to capitalise on the accelerated growth trends of e-commerce and sustainability and the strong pipeline of opportunities ahead. This included the announcement of two new state-of-the-art packaging plants in Italy and Poland, increased investment in digital platforms and innovation of new products.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic our primary focus has been on the health and wellbeing of our c. 29,000 employees, who have responded magnificently to the challenge. Secondly, we have focused on maintaining an uninterrupted supply to our customers, the majority of whom are FMCG companies which are essential in the food supply chain. As such, our factories were classified by governments as essential operations and I am extremely proud that all our Paper and Packaging sites have remained operational throughout the pandemic. New ways of working have been implemented to reflect the best guidance on safe operations, which led to some additional costs. In the year 2020/21, we saw a reduction in our overall box volumes during the first quarter principally due to weakness in the industrial customer categories, together with increased volatility of input costs, when the crisis was at its peak. The greater impact however has been from the cost of paper for recycling (PfR) and old corrugated cases (OCC). Here, we were impacted by an initial, short increase in prices in May and June 2020, due to sudden and extreme supply constraints caused by national lockdowns. These initial short spikes were not recovered in paper prices; however, the subsequent rises which occurred in H2 coupled with strong demand for paper have been reflected in higher paper prices which are being passed through to packaging prices along with other inflationary costs.
Organic corrugated box volumes have grown 3.5 per cent across the year, reflecting substantial growth from H1 (-1.0 per cent) into H2 (+8.2 per cent). The progression in H2 was driven by exceptionally strong growth from Northern Europe, notably the UK, and strong growth also in Eastern Europe and North America. E-commerce was the driver behind much of the growth reflecting very substantial growth with existing e-commerce customers, while working with other customers to accelerate their transition into e-commerce sales.
The core market growth drivers of e-commerce, consumer and retail channel evolution and plastic substitution are more relevant than ever in the post Covid-19 world. Public awareness of the importance of alternatives to plastic packaging has continued to grow over the past 12 months despite the pandemic and we have continued to develop corrugated packaging alternatives to take advantage of this opportunity.
Our packaging growth has also been supported by the development and implementation of new digitally enabled platforms that allow for enhanced ways of working with our customers. These include, for example, digital virtual creation centres that allow for the remote development of new products and designs through to platforms that enable the placing of new orders centrally with delivery from our extensive distribution network throughout Europe.
For the full year, revenue declined 1 per cent on a constant currency basis. There was an overall positive contribution from corrugated box volumes (£123 million), having been negative (down £21 million) in H1, demonstrating the strength of growth in H2. This benefit was offset by reduced box pricing throughout H1, reflecting the annualisation of lower paper pricing in prior periods with some net improvement in H2 (£137 million decline for the full year), and a decline in other volumes (£60 million) particularly due
to increased paper and recyclate integration and reduced volumes of corrugated sheet sold externally.
Operating profit declined year-on-year to £311 million (2019/20: £455 million). Adjusted operating profit fell by 24 per cent on a constant currency basis to £502 million (2019/20: £660 million), resulting in a return on sales for the Group of 8.4 per cent (2019/20: 10.9 per cent). This profit decline was despite corrugated box volume growth of £40 million, offset by additional costs incurred by the business in dealing with Covid-19 and ensuring all our colleagues were safe and our factories remained operational, and a more general input cost volatility, particularly in recyclate, in total a £66 million headwind. Profits were also impacted by the lower average selling prices for boxes, largely in H1 (as set out above), although in H2 we have seen more general price inflation. Corrugated box prices stabilised through H2 as the testliner price also increased, with some annualised pricing declines offset by new price increases agreed, with the increased box prices expected to continue to benefit the business as we progress through the current financial year. The Europac acquisition synergies came in as expected at £21 million, completing the programme of €70 million overall.
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations fell 38 per cent on a constant currency basis to 13.3 pence (2019/20: 21.2 pence). Adjusted basic earnings per share of 24.2 pence fell by 28 per cent compared to the prior year on a constant currency basis (2019/20: 33.2 pence), reflecting the decline in operating profit.
Our corrugated box business is over 80 per cent weighted by volume to the growing FMCG, e-commerce and consumer sector, with the remaining sectors being mainly industrial, such as automotive and chemicals. E-commerce volumes are split across FMCG and the other consumer categories, depending on the product sold. The benefit of this end-customer profile is both the resilience of volumes in difficult economic times, as seen in our H1 period, and the exceptional growth evidenced in the past six months, as consumers have appreciated the convenience of e-commerce and our customers have expanded their offerings, and we expect this trend to continue.
Box pricing is also gathering momentum. In the past year, particularly in H2, paper prices have increased materially and we are actively recovering these through well established pricing mechanisms albeit with the customary level of delay. This is consistent with 2017 and 2018, when paper prices of similar magnitudes were all successfully recovered. Exceptionally strong demand for packaging has allowed us to ensure this price recovery is already well progressed with the major benefit to fall in the 2021/22 financial year.
Overall, the acceleration of volumes and momentum in pricing resulted in much stronger H2 profitability versus H1, with adjusted operating profit for the H2 period of £272 million versus £230 million for the H1 period.
We continue to invest behind the strong structural demand for our products and are focused on ensuring we are able to respond to our customer needs across our global footprint. As announced in December 2020, we are building two new greenfield corrugated box plants, in Italy and Poland. Both represent additional packaging capacity, including dedicated equipment focused on
e-commerce packaging. The Polish site will be quickly filled with existing customer demand and the Italian site will allow us to expand further our strong e-commerce offer. Work on both sites has begun and both are expected to begin operations in Q4 of the current financial year. In addition to these new sites, we are significantly expanding our Arnstadt packaging facility in Germany, a site which serves a range of high quality FMCG customers. Together, these three site developments add c. 5 per cent to our corrugated capacity.
Capex for 2021/22 is expected to increase from the £323 million in 2020/21 to around £430 million of which c. 55 per cent has been allocated to growth, efficiency and environmental capex. We remain extremely focused on capital allocation and where possible recycling capital from disposal of non-core assets into investment in growth assets. All the projects undertaken have estimated returns on capital in excess of the Group target ROACE.
Sustainability has been at the heart of our business for many years as we have developed and grown into a solely fibre based packaging business. This has accompanied the setting of stretching environmental targets since 2011 that have been consistently upgraded on the back of strong performance and also the desire to consistently outperform our customers' requirements. Our latest sustainability strategy, Now and Next, was launched in the autumn of 2020. This is focused on the circular economy, where we take the leading packaging role as well as carbon reduction. This policy includes 26 KPIs covering a broad range of sustainability issues, from carbon reduction to recyclability, where DS Smith can and does make a difference. On 9 June 2021, we announced a series of further enhanced climate targets. These include a science-based target which requires a minimum 40 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions per tonne of product by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, and a commitment to reach at least Net Zero emissions by 2050. These targets will be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative as in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. To further underline the Group's ambition and commitment, we also announced our membership of the UN's Race to Zero.
This year, we have continued to deliver against all of our ESG targets. Most notably, our CO2e emissions (per tonne of production) have reduced by 23 per cent compared to our comparative 2015 baseline. This excellent reduction puts us ahead of target to deliver against our current goal of 30 per cent by 2030. Please go to our website and/or our latest Sustainability Report for more details on our delivery against ESG goals.
In addition to our progress against our own sustainability targets, we continue to work actively with our customers to help them address their sustainability challenges. Our circular design principles and our recently-launched circularity metrics allow us to analyse our customers' increasing sustainability requirements. We have invested significantly in training and development in our designers' capabilities, which differentiates our offering as we drive re-use, recyclability, carbon and other resource utilisation for the benefit of our customers, their customers and the environment.
The Board considers the dividend to be a very important component of shareholder returns. In December 2020 we announced an interim dividend of 4.0 pence per share. Our policy is that dividends will be progressive and that, in the medium term, dividend cover should be on average of 2 to 2.5 times (relative to adjusted earnings per share), through the cycle. Accordingly, we are announcing a final dividend for this year of 8.1 pence, taking the total dividend for the year to 12.1 pence (2019/20: nil), in line with our policy.
We measure our performance according to both our financial and non-financial medium-term targets and key performance indicators. Whilst a number of the outcomes are clearly disappointing, they are reflective of a highly unusual year and the Board is committed to restoring our performance to the levels of achievement prior to the pandemic.
As set out above, like-for-like corrugated box volumes grew by 3.5 per cent, well ahead of our target of GDP+1 per cent of -5.5 per cent, based on year-on-year GDP growth to 30 April 2021, weighted by our sales in the markets in which we operate, estimated at -6.5 per cent. The GDP figure is particularly impacted by Covid-19. As described earlier, volume growth has been led by growth with e-commerce and consumer-focused customers.
Return on sales fell 250 basis points to 8.4 per cent (2019/20: 10.9 per cent), due to the overall fall in adjusted operating profit, below our medium-term target range of 10 to 12 per cent.
Adjusted return on average capital employed (ROACE) is 8.2 per cent (2019/20: 10.6 per cent), below our medium-term target range of 12 to 15 per cent. The reduction reflects the decline in adjusted operating profit, and the continued impact of Interstate Resources in North America and of Europac in Europe, which have been dilutive to return on capital in these initial years. This pattern was also seen at the time of the SCA Packaging acquisition in 2012, where ROACE initially dipped and then built up as the acquisition synergies were fully realised and our expectations are for ROACE to improve into the target range as the effects of the pandemic are reduced.
Net debt as at 30 April 2021 was £1,795 million (30 April 2020: £2,101 million), with the reduction principally due to excellent cash management resulting in free cash flow of £486 million. Working capital performance was extremely good with both a strong focus in the business and the benefit of rising input costs such as paper and OCC on our payables. Some of this commodity related payables benefit may reverse in 2021/22. Cash generated from operations before adjusting cash items of £943 million was used to invest in net capex of £323 million, an 11 per cent reduction on the prior year reflecting capex constraints put in place at the start of the year and eased later in the year. Net debt/EBITDA (calculated in accordance with our banking covenant requirements) is 2.2 times (2019/20: 2.1 times), substantially below our banking covenant of 3.75 times. The Group remains fully committed to its investment grade credit rating.
During the year, the Group generated free cash flow of £486 million (2019/20: £354 million), despite the reduction in profit. Cash conversion, as defined in our financial KPIs (note 32), was 150 per cent, well ahead of our target of being at or above 100 per cent.
DS Smith is committed to providing all employees with a safe and productive working environment. We are pleased once again, for the 12th consecutive year, to report improvements in our safety record, with our accident frequency rate (defined as the number of lost time accidents per million hours worked) reducing by a further 14 per cent to 2.06, reflecting our ongoing commitment to best practice in health and safety. We are proud to report that 246 sites achieved our target of zero accidents this year and we continue to strive for zero accidents for the Group as a whole.
The Group has a challenging target for customer service of 97 per cent on-time, in-full deliveries. Despite the significant operational challenges due to Covid-19, in the year we achieved a continued strong performance at 95 per cent. However, management remains fully committed to delivering our target and the highest standards of service, quality and innovation to all our customers and we will continue to challenge ourselves to meet the demanding standards our customers expect. Other markers of quality such as our defects rate (measured in parts-per-million) have improved significantly, having reduced 22 per cent.
Unless otherwise stated, any commentary and comparable analysis in the operating review is based on constant currency performance.
| 2021 | 2020 | Change – reported |
constant currency |
|---|---|---|---|
| £6,043m | (1%) | (1%) | |
| £502m | £660m | (24%) | (24%) |
| £311m | £455m | (32%) | (32%) |
| £5,976m | 30 April 30 April |
Revenue from corrugated box volume growth offset by a reduction in sales price and mix resulted in a decrease in revenue of 1 per cent. Operating profit declined 32 per cent to £311 million due to the decline in sales price and mix and input cost headwinds, partially offset by the benefit from strong volume growth.
| £m | Year ended 30 April 2021 |
Year ended 30 April 2020 |
Change – reported |
Change – constant currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | £2,370m | £2,333m | +2% | +1% |
| Adjusted operating profit1 |
£138m | £219m | (37%) | (37%) |
| Return on sales1 | 5.8% | 9.4% | (360bps) | (350bps) |
The Northern Europe division has seen very strong corrugated box volume growth, reflecting an exceptional level of growth in the UK, driven in particular by e-commerce, and good trading in Benelux and Germany.
While revenues remained broadly flat, the reduction in adjusted operating profit reflects very good corrugated box volume growth more than offset by the annualisation of pricing declines, and a significant impact on input costs in our paper mills due to the volatility in OCC pricing. This region has a higher proportion of higher value point-of-sales and display business which was particularly badly impacted by retailers in-store activity during lockdowns. Return on sales reduced by 350 basis points to
5.8 per cent. The recovery of the higher paper prices and margins is well underway and in-store retail activity is also recovering quickly.
| £m | Year ended 30 April 2021 |
Year ended 30 April 2020 |
Change – reported |
Change – constant currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | £2,156m | £2,214m | (3%) | (4%) |
| Adjusted operating profit1 |
£223 | £314m | (29%) | (30%) |
| Return on sales1 | 10.3% | 14.2% | (390bps) | (390bps) |
Volumes in the year have grown across the region, driven by good volume growth in Italy, while revenues declined 4 per cent as average selling prices reflected prior paper price declines.
Adjusted operating profit fell by 30 per cent, reflecting the challenging economic and market environment and in particular the volatility of OCC and of pulp used at our Viana kraftliner mill. This region was particularly badly impacted in H1 with significantly lower tourist and agricultural activity in the early months of the pandemic.
| £m | Year ended 30 April 2021 |
Year ended 30 April 2020 |
Change – reported |
Change – constant currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | £909m | £892m | +2% | +2% |
| Adjusted operating profit1 |
£78m | £88m | (11%) | (10%) |
| Return on sales1 | 8.6% | 9.9% | (130bps) | (120bps) |
Volumes in this region have again been very good throughout the period, with particularly strong performance in operations in Poland and the Baltics, with revenues increasing 2 per cent.
Adjusted operating profit fell by 10 per cent, reflecting declines in both the Paper and Packaging operations in the region. The region has less paper capacity than the others and as such did not see the same impact from the OCC volatility in the period.
| £m | Year ended 30 April 2021 |
Year ended 30 April 2020 |
Change – reported |
Change – constant currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | £541m | £604m | (10%) | (5%) |
| Adjusted operating profit1 |
£63m | £39m | +62% | +70% |
| Return on sales1 | 11.6% | 6.5% | +510bps | +510bps |
Volumes in the region have been very good, reflecting growth in a number of packaging sites as we manage the ramp-up of the new box plant in Indiana. Full utilisation is expected to be completed on plan in the financial year 2022/23. Volumes in North America were badly impacted by Covid-19 in Q1 due to certain customer site closures, so the recovery through the year has been particularly pleasing and a testament to the support and confidence of many old and new customers to our new products, production capacity and ways of working.
Revenue fell 5 per cent, principally due to increased internal utilisation of paper. Adjusted operating profit for the division improved by 70 per cent, reflecting improved volumes across our packaging plants, including the ramp-up of the new Indiana site, the improvement in domestic paper and packaging pricing and the US export paper price. As a result, return on sales improved to 11.6 per cent, with H2 profitability substantially ahead of H1.
The UK left the EU in January 2020 and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020. The UK comprises 15 per cent of Group revenue with the majority of our operations in continental Europe. Product for UK customers is largely manufactured within the UK and materials sourced within the UK, and as such we did not experience substantial disruption in the first few months of 2021 as the new trading arrangements between the UK and EU came into place. While there are some friction impacts of Brexit, in particular limited capacity with carriers and brokers at the start of the year, we have planned, in collaboration with key trading partners, and accordingly the overall impact on DS Smith has not been material.
The continued investment in our business, together with the strong support of our customers and the momentum built over recent quarters, give us confidence for the current year and future. Whilst the business has seen reduced profitability over the last twelve months, we firmly believe that we exit 2020/21 stronger, further focused on the accelerated opportunities a post-Covid-19 world offers and that our customers will continue to recognise this going forward.
The current year has started well, with the volume momentum of the final quarter of FY21 continuing into this year. Inflationary cost pressures have also continued, in particular OCC, but also other costs such as energy, transport and labour. Packaging prices have started to increase and we expect to fully recover these increasing costs.
Accordingly, while there remains uncertainty in the overall economic environment, demand is strong and we expect to make good progress this year.
2020/21 presented a variety of challenges, most notably the economic contraction triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. From an operations standpoint the business continued uninterrupted throughout the year in all regions, providing essential products and services to its customers.
After a challenging first half year influenced by the pandemic, the second half year saw a strong recovery in box volumes across all regions with momentum continuing to build throughout the period. The recent commencement of work on greenfield sites in Italy and Poland will add further capacity to the growing demand in these markets. The Indiana site in North America continues to drive both packaging volume growth and a shortening of the paper position in this market, in line with our long-term strategic objectives.
The business experienced higher input costs in 2020/21, most notably the cost of recyclate. The final quarter of 2019/20 saw fibre prices close to record lows; however, dual price spikes in Q1 and Q4 of 2020/21 drove the average cost of paper production significantly higher. During the first half of the year, paper prices continued the decline seen in H2 of 2019/20. However, the second half saw prices increase above pre-pandemic levels, driven by both tightness of demand and increases in core input costs.
"Excellent box volume growth yearon-year and strong cash performance demonstrated the resilience of our business model, with uninterrupted operation through the extraordinary pandemic challenges, working to meet customers' needs. Our new greenfield investments provide further growth and reflect our ongoing commitment to supplying sustainable, innovative fibre based packaging solutions, providing the leadership our customers expect from us."
Adrian Marsh, Group Finance Director
The effective pass-through of these higher prices on to customers in both the Paper and Packaging businesses mitigated some of the input cost impact and will continue to be a key focus area in 2021/22.
During this significant period of macro-economic uncertainty, the Group remains committed to achieving its medium-term financial measures and key performance indicators, as established by the Board. The results, which do not make any adjustments for the impact of Covid-19, are described below:
38 per cent decrease in statutory profit before tax to £231 million on a constant currency basis and 37 per cent decrease on a reported basis (2019/20: £368 million)
Decrease in adjusted return on sales of 250 bps to 8.4 per cent (2019/20: 10.9 per cent)
Unless otherwise stated, the commentary below references the continuing operations of the Group.
The Group presents non-GAAP measures alongside reported measures, in order to provide a balanced and comparable view of the Group's overall performance and position. Non-GAAP performance measures eliminate amortisation and unusual or non-operational items that may obscure understanding of the key trends and performance. These measures are used both internally and externally to evaluate business performance, as a key constituent of the Group's planning process, they are applied in the Group's financial and debt covenants, as well as comprising targets against which compensation is determined. Amortisation relates primarily to customer contracts and relationships arising from business combinations. Unusual or non-operational items include business disposals, restructuring, acquisition related and integration costs and impairments, and are referred to as adjusting items.
Reporting of non-GAAP measures alongside statutory measures is considered useful by investors to understand how management evaluates performance and value creation, enabling them to track the Group's performance and the key business drivers which underpin it and the basis on which to anticipate future prospects.
Note 32 explains further the use of non-GAAP performance measures and provides reconciliations as appropriate to information derived directly from the financial statements. Where a non-GAAP measure is referred to in the review, the equivalent measure stemming directly from the financial statements (if available and appropriate) is also referred to.
Revenue decreased by 1 per cent on a reported basis to £5,976 million (2019/20: £6,043 million). Despite higher box volumes, Packaging revenue saw a reduction in realised selling prices, largely reflecting the decline in paper price benchmarks in H2 2019/20 and H1 2020/21. Strong internal demand for paper meant that the Group continued to integrate further in 2020/21. This also contributed to lower revenues as a higher proportion of the paper produced in the Group's own paper mills was consumed internally by the Group's box plants rather than being sold externally. These impacts were partially offset by higher recyclate prices sold externally in both Europe and North America.
Reported revenues are subject to foreign currency translation effects. In the year, the euro accounted for 59 per cent of Group revenue. As such, the movements of the euro against sterling during the year constituted the majority of the £20 million of
positive foreign exchange translation impact. On a constant currency basis, revenues decreased by 1 per cent.
Corrugated box volume growth of 3.5 per cent (2019/20: 0.6 per cent growth) reflects the resilience of the Group's business model and the momentum seen in its core markets and segments, with market share gains in all segments.
While Q1 growth was constrained by the unfolding pandemic, box volumes rebounded progressively from Q2 onwards. The Group was well positioned to meet the corresponding changes in consumer behaviour which drove higher demand for both e-commerce and FMCG products.
The Group target of volume growth of GDP+1 per cent was achieved during 2020/21, with GDP (weighted by the countries' mix) estimated at -6.5 per cent for the 12 months to April 2021. As a Group, c. 82 per cent of corrugated box volumes are sold to consumer goods customers, substantially ahead of the industry average, an indicator that the continued development of tailored and innovative packaging solutions is regarded as a differential offering in the market.
Adjusted operating profit of £502 million on a reported basis is a decrease of 24 per cent (2019/20: £660 million). This reduction is largely attributable to pandemic effects with a lower average selling price and mix in the Packaging and Paper business (£(137) million) as a result of declining paper benchmarks, volatile input costs (£(66) million) and lower other volumes of £(19) million.
These impacts were partially offset by higher box volume (£40 million), continued strong delivery of Europac synergies (£21 million) and FX and other impacts (£3 million).
Operating profit at £311 million, is a decrease of 32 per cent both on a constant currency and reported basis (2019/20: £455 million). The Group benefitted from a strong performance by the Packaging business in mitigating various commercial pressures, including the headwinds of cost inflation prior to the pandemic and lately the impact of rising paper prices. In addition, the strong focus on value-added packaging and overall performance improvement targeted in North America more than offset the start-up costs associated with the commissioning and progression towards full operation of the new facility in Indiana, US.
Depreciation increased to £304 million on a reported basis (2019/20: £296 million), an £8 million increase driven by the additional capital commissioned during the year to support the Group's growth programme. Amortisation decreased marginally to £142 million.
The Group has continued to focus on margin recovery through commercial disciplines and ongoing cost management and efficiency programmes, but the impact of the pandemic, in spite of the resilience demonstrated by the Group, led to an adjusted return on sales decrease of 250 basis points to 8.4 per cent (2019/20: 10.9 per cent). The Group does not expect a repeat of the costs incurred specifically in keeping our colleagues safe and our factories open.
The adjusted return on average capital employed (ROACE) decreased to 8.2 per cent (2019/20: 10.6 per cent). The ROACE remains below the target set by the Board of 12 to 15 per cent and the Board remains fully committed to achieving this target again as global economies recover from the pandemic
| Income statement – from continuing operations (unless otherwise stated) |
2020/21 £m |
2019/20 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5,976 | 6,043 |
| Adjusted operating profit1 | 502 | 660 |
| Operating profit | 311 | 455 |
| Adjusted return on sales1 | 8.4% | 10.9% |
| Adjusted net financing costs | (78) | (87) |
| Share of profit of equity-accounted | ||
| investments, net of tax | 5 | 7 |
| Profit before income tax | 231 | 368 |
| Adjusted profit before income tax1 | 429 | 580 |
| Adjusted income tax expense1 | (97) | (125) |
| Adjusted earnings1 | 332 | 455 |
| Profit from discontinued operations, | ||
| net of tax | 12 | 237 |
| Basic adjusted earnings per share | 24.2p | 33.2p |
| Profit for the year attributable to | ||
| owners of the parent (including | ||
| discontinued operations) | 194 | 527 |
| Basic earnings per share from continuing | ||
| and discontinued operations1 | 14.2p | 38.5p |
| Basic earnings per share | 13.3p | 21.2p |
The Group's operations across all its regions were affected throughout the year by the pandemic. However, as an essential supplier for critical supply chains in areas such as FMCG food and drink, pharmaceuticals and other essential suppliers the Group's sites remained fully operational throughout the period. The Group adapted quickly to changes in the box demand profile as a result of the pandemic, with strong volume growth achieved in both e-commerce and FMCG segments.
Lockdown-induced disruption in waste collections has resulted in a volatile year in the recyclate market. Prices spiked in Q1 and then fell across the summer months before spiking again in the final quarter of the year with prices now at or near a historical high in certain core markets.
Adjusting items before tax and financing costs were £49 million (2019/20: £62 million).
The costs primarily consisted of ongoing integration programmes relating to acquisitions made in prior years of £17 million (2019/20: £30 million) and other restructuring programmes of £27 million (2019/20: £24 million). Of the integration costs, £14 million related to the Europac integration programme,
including costs to deliver synergy projects implemented during the year, IT operational costs and site rebranding, and £3 million related to the North American integration programme, which included the centralisation of transaction processing in that region. Both these integration programmes were highlighted in their respective Class 1 circulars and have now completed in this financial year.
Within restructuring costs, £23 million principally relates to a major restructuring programme in Germany and a structured review of the underlying, indirect cost base of the European Packaging business.
Merger and acquisition-related costs of £2 million (2019/20: £10 million) were incurred, being predominantly professional advisory fees, and contractual deferred consideration payments on prior year acquisitions.
Loss on divestments was £3 million primarily relating to the disposal of a small sheet plant operation in North America.
Within discontinued operations, the gain related to the finalisation of certain provisions made on disposal of the Plastics business and the recognition of a deferred tax asset of £9 million arising on tax losses in relation to the disposal. The Group continues to provide transitional support services to the buyer.
Adjusting items in 2021/22 are estimated to be less than £10 million.
Net finance costs were £85 million (2019/20: £94 million). The decrease of £9 million on last year is primarily a result of lower levels of debt throughout the year. The employment benefit net finance expense of £3 million has remained at a similar level to the prior year.
Adjusting financing costs of £7 million (2019/20: £7 million) represents the unwind of the Interstate Resources put option.
The share of profits of equity-accounted investments was £5 million (2019/20: £7 million).
Profit before tax decreased by 37 per cent on a reported basis to £231 million (2019/20: £368 million), driven by the decrease in operating profit, partly offset by a reduction in financing costs. Adjusted profit before tax of £429 million (2019/20: £580 million) decreased by 26 per cent on a reported basis, again due to the decrease in the underlying adjusted operating profit.
The tax charge of £49 million (2019/20: £78 million) reflects the impact of lower profits and recognition of a deferred tax asset on losses in France, partially offset by an increase in provisions in relation to uncertain tax positions on non-adjusting items. The Group's effective tax rate on adjusted profit, excluding amortisation, adjusting items and associates was 23.0 per cent (2019/20: 22.0 per cent). The tax credit through adjusting items was £16 million (2019/20: £14 million).
The previous year discontinued operations profit after tax of £237 million includes the £230 million net gain on sale of the Plastics business.
Reported profit after tax, amortisation and adjusting items for continuing and discontinued operations was £194 million (2019/20: £527 million).
The decrease in operating profit led to a decrease of 37 per cent in basic earnings per share on a reported basis to 13.3 pence (2019/20: 21.2 pence), with adjusted earnings per share 27 per cent lower at 24.2 pence (2019/20: 33.2 pence).
In recent years, the Group's strategy has focused on growth in order to support our global customers in the regions in which they operate. Throughout 2020/21, the Group continued to successfully integrate earlier acquisitions, including Europac in Iberia and Corrugated Container Corporation in North America, both acquired in 2018/19 and Interstate Resources in North America, acquired in 2017/18. As set out in the respective Class 1 acquisition circulars for Interstate and Europac, the integration programmes have now concluded.
During 2019/20 , the Group agreed to the purchase of a further 10 per cent holding in Interstate Resources for £106 million, following the exercise of part of the pre-existing put option by the former owners of that business. A cash settlement of £82 million was made in June 2020 with the balance to be paid in October 2021. The final 10 per cent stake remains subject to the put option conditions.
Reported net debt of £1,795 million (30 April 2020: £2,101 million) has decreased from the prior year, driven by higher cash inflows from operating activities and steps taken during the year to conserve cash during the pandemic.
Net working capital inflows of £173 million are driven by a strong focus on cash management, in particular cash collection, inventory management and influenced by higher commodity prices, most notably the cost of recyclate and paper costs at the end of the year leading to increases in trade payables at the year-end compared to the prior year. The Group has demonstrated ongoing success in driving sustainable working capital improvements. Trade receivables factoring is £21 million lower than April 2020 at £407 million. Going forward the Group expects to continue to sell high credit quality receivables under this programme within the range £350-400 million outstanding at any one time. This is a reduction of some 30 per cent from the peak balance of £565 million in 2018.
Net capital expenditure decreased by £41 million to £323 million in the year. Spending on some capital projects was initially delayed until greater confidence in the economic outlook was established. However, despite these constraints, the Group continued to focus on growth and efficiency capital projects, which represented 53 per cent of the reported spend in the year. Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment were £8 million (2019/20: £12 million).
Tax paid of £66 million is £28 million lower than the prior year, as a result of tax receipts of £20 million in North America, lower tax payments in general and the timing of certain payments.
Net interest payments of £68 million decreased by £9 million over the prior year driven by the maturity of debt bearing higher interest rates and a lower net debt position throughout the year. The remainder of interest principally comprises interest on the Euro medium-term notes and US private placements, with amortisation of debt issuance and other finance costs accounting for the majority of the difference between cash interest paid and finance costs reported in the income statement. Cash outflows associated with adjusting items decreased by £5 million to £48 million, and include restructuring and integration costs. The current year reduction is driven by a further decrease in merger and acquisition costs incurred in the prior year.
No dividend payments were made during the year, with payments resumed in May 2021.
Cash generated from operations before adjusting cash items increased by £54 million to £943 million. Net cash inflow was £366 million, a £195 million decrease on the prior year, which benefitted from the disposal proceeds of the Plastics business and the Europac remedy disposals of £480 million.
Acquisitions and disposals of £74 million in the year include payments made for the 10 per cent settlement of the Interstate put option of £82 million and proceeds from the sale of a small sheet business in North America of £16 million.
| Cash flow | 2020/21 £m |
2019/20 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Cash generated from operations before adjusting cash items |
943 | 889 |
| Capital expenditure (net of disposal of | ||
| fixed assets) | (323) | (364) |
| Tax paid | (66) | (94) |
| Net interest paid | (68) | (77) |
| Free cash flow | 486 | 354 |
| Cash outflow for adjusting items | (48) | (53) |
| Dividends | – | (222) |
| Acquisitions and disposals of businesses, | ||
| net of cash and cash equivalents | (74) | 480 |
| Other | 2 | 2 |
| Net cash flow | 366 | 561 |
| Issue of share capital | 3 | 2 |
| Loans, borrowings and finance leases divested |
3 | 2 |
| Foreign exchange, fair value and other | ||
| movements | (56) | (118) |
| Net debt movement – | ||
| contining operations | 316 | 447 |
| Net debt movement – | ||
| discontinued operations | (10) | (29) |
| IFRS 16 right-of-use obligation at 1 May 2019 |
– | (242) |
| Opening net debt | (2,101) | (2,277) |
| Closing net debt | (1,795) | (2,101) |
At 30 April 2021, shareholder funds increased to £3,533 million, from £3,350 million in the prior year. Profit attributable to shareholders of £194 million contributed to the growth (2019/20: £527 million), which was increased by a net change in cash flow hedges of £112 million (2019/20: £32 million loss), offset by actuarial losses on employee benefits of £5 million (2019/20: £46 million loss) and foreign currency translation effects of £95 million (2019/20: credit of £39 million). There were no dividends paid in the year (2019/20: £222 million). Equity attributable to non-controlling interests was £2 million (2019/20: £1 million).
The Group's bank and private placement debt covenants stipulate the methodology upon which the net debt to adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) ratio is to be calculated. Factored receivables and the effects of IFRS 16 Leases, adopted since 1 May 2019, are excluded from the ratio's determination. The ratio has increased to 2.2 times, as the reduction in EBITDA more than offset the improvement in debt, but represents an improvement from the H1 position of 2.4 times. The ratio remains compliant with the covenant requirements, which across all banking debt is 3.75 times. We retain a 3.25 times level in the remaining US Private Placement loan notes (\$298 million) of which \$30 million will mature by August 2021 and the balance by August 2022. As the exercise of the second tranche of the Interstate Resources put option is still outstanding at 30 April 2021, this has not been factored in to the calculated ratio. If the exercise of the remaining 10 per cent stake subject to the put option was included, the ratio would increase to c. 2.4 times. The Group's publicly traded euro and sterling bonds are not subject to any financial covenants. The bonds are, however, subject to a coupon step up of 125 basis points for any period the Group falls below an investment grade credit rating.
The Group is also compliant with a second banking covenant requiring an EBITDA to net interest payable ratio of not less than 4.50 times.
The covenant calculations also exclude income statement items identified as adjusting by the Group and any interest arising from the defined benefit pension schemes. At 30 April 2021, the Group has substantial headroom under its covenants, with the future outlook assessed as part of the annual going concern review. The Group's investment grade credit rating from Standard and Poor's remains stable at BBB-, which takes into account all the items excluded from covenant calculations and working capital.
| 30 April 2021 |
30 April 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Statement of financial position | £m | £m |
| Intangible assets | 2,995 | 3,197 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 3,050 | 3,042 |
| Right-of-use assets | 226 | 256 |
| Inventories | 537 | 518 |
| Trade and other receivables | 819 | 772 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 813 | 595 |
| Other | 260 | 245 |
| Total assets | 8,700 | 8,625 |
| Bank overdrafts | (94) | (90) |
| Borrowings | (2,301) | (2,398) |
| Trade and other payables | (1,849) | (1,723) |
| Provisions | (56) | (70) |
| Employee benefits | (175) | (199) |
| Lease liabilities | (230) | (255) |
| Other | (460) | (539) |
| Total liabilities | (5,165) | (5,274) |
| Net assets | 3,535 | 3,351 |
| Net debt | 1,795 | 2,101 |
| Net debt to EBITDA ratio | 2.2x | 2.1x |
Production facilities, in particular paper mills, are energy intensive, therefore energy costs are significant for the Group. In 2020/21, costs for gas, electricity and other fuels, net of periodic local incentives, were £325 million (2019/20: £318 million). This year-on-year comparison does, however, mask a significant increase in energy costs from H1 £146 million to H2 £179 million. The Group continues to invest in energy efficiency projects and limits the exposure to volatile energy pricing by hedging energy costs with suppliers and financial institutions, managed by the Group's Energy Procurement team.
In addition to its trading cash flow, the Group finances its operations using a combination of borrowings, property and equipment leases, shareholders' equity and, where appropriate, disposals of non-core businesses. The Group's funding strategy is to achieve a capital structure that provides an appropriate cost of capital whilst providing the desired flexibility in short and mediumterm funding to enable the execution of material investments or acquisitions, as required.
The Group aims to maintain a strong balance sheet enabling significant headroom within the financial covenants and to ensure continuity of funding by having a range of maturities from a variety of sources. The Group has an investment grade rating from Standard and Poor's of BBB – stable outlook.
The Group's overarching treasury objective is to ensure sufficient funds are available for the Group to execute its strategy and to manage the financial risks to which the Group is exposed.
In November 2018, the Group signed a £1.4 billion five-year committed syndicated revolving credit facility (RCF) with its core banks. The second extension option was exercised in November 2020. £1.1 billion of the facility now matures in 2025 with the remaining £0.3 billion maturing in 2024.
Available cash and debt facilities are reviewed regularly to ensure sufficient funds are available to support the Group's activities. At 30 April 2021, the Group's committed facilities totalled £3.7 billion, of which £1.5 billion remained undrawn and £3.5 billion matures beyond one year or more. Undrawn committed borrowing facilities are maintained to provide protection against refinancing risk.
At 30 April 2021, the committed borrowing facilities had a weighted average maturity of 3.9 years (30 April 2020: 4.5 years). Additional detail on these facilities is provided below. Total gross borrowings at 30 April 2021 were £2,301 million (30 April 2020: £2,398 million). The committed borrowing facilities described do not include the £460 million of three-year committed factoring facilities, which allow the sale of receivables without recourse. Given the three-year committed nature of these facilities, they fully protect the Group from any short-term liquidity risks which may arise from volatility in financial markets.
The balance of trade receivables sold as part of the factoring programme decreased by £21 million to £407 million at 30 April 2021 (30 April 2020: £428 million).
In November 2019, the Group established a €1 billion Euro Commercial Paper Programme. At 30 April 2021, the programme was undrawn due to the positive cash position in the Group.
| Facilities | Currency | Maturity Date |
£m equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syndicated RCF 2018 | Various | 2024-25 | 1,400 |
| Euro medium-term notes | EUR | 2022-26 | 1,608 |
| Euro RCF 2020 | EUR | 2023 | 52 |
| Sterling bond medium-term | |||
| note | GBP | 2029 | 250 |
| Euro bilateral loans | EUR | 2021-23 | 130 |
| US dollar private placement | USD | 2021-22 | 215 |
| Euro term loan | EUR | 2025 | 35 |
| Committed facilities at | |||
| 30 April 2021 | 3,690 |
The net book value of goodwill and other intangibles at 30 April 2021 was £2,995 million (30 April 2020: £3,197 million).
IAS 36 Impairment of Assets requires annual testing of goodwill and other intangible assets, as well as an assessment of any other assets for which there may be indicators of impairment. As part of this testing, the Group compares the carrying amount of the assets subject to testing with the higher of their net realisable value and value-in-use to identify whether any impairment exists. The asset or group of assets value-in-use is determined by discounting the future cash flows they expect to generate by the assumed pre-tax discount rate of 9.5 per cent, plus a blended country risk premium for each group of assets. Asset values were tested as at 30 April 2021, with no impairment identified as a result of the testing performed.
The Group's primary funded defined benefit pension scheme, based in the UK, is closed to future accrual. There are a variety of other post-retirement and employee benefit schemes operated locally for overseas operations, and an additional unfunded scheme in the UK relating to three former directors which is secured against assets of the UK business. In accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits (Revised 2011), the Group is required to make assumptions surrounding rates of inflation, discount rates and current and future life expectancies, amongst others, which could materially impact the value of any scheme surplus or liability. A material revaluation of the relevant assets and liabilities could result in a change to the cost to fund the scheme liabilities. The assumptions applied are subject to periodic review.
A summary of the balance sheet position as at 30 April is as follows:
| 30 April 2021 £m |
30 April 2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate gross assets of schemes | 1,178 | 1,164 |
| Aggregate gross liabilities of schemes | (1,353) | (1,363) |
| Gross balance sheet deficit | (175) | (199) |
| Deferred tax assets | 40 | 45 |
| Net balance sheet deficit | (135) | (154) |
The net deficit has decreased versus prior year driven by two scheme settlements and discount rate assumptions having a small impact at 30 April 2021, as well as the asset valuations increasing.
The 2019 triennial valuation of the main UK scheme incorporated updates to underlying scheme assumptions, including demographic and life expectancy rates, which, along with updates surrounding mortality and proportion married assumptions and future improvements, resulted in a net c. 1 per cent increase in the valuation of the scheme liabilities. No changes were made to the previously approved funding plan following the triennial valuation.
Total cash contributions paid into the Group pension schemes, reported within cash generated from operations in the cash flow, were £20 million in 2020/21 (2019/20: £20 million), which primarily constitute the agreed contributions under the UK defined benefit scheme deficit recovery plan.
The consolidated statement of cash flows presents a single amount of net cash flow from discontinued operations.
During the previous year, 2019/20, the Plastics business was sold, representing £230 million of the £237 million profit from discontinued operations, net of tax. In the current year the gain of £12 million predominantly relates to the recognition of a deferred tax asset (£9 million) relating to the Plastics business disposal.
Our Group risk policy provides the framework to ensure there is a common understanding of risk management practices across all parts of the Group and is fully integrated with our annual corporate planning process. We use these practices to evaluate and accept those risks that we believe we have the capacity, know-how and experience to manage, or to understand and tolerate those risks that we cannot influence, in order to realise the potential opportunities for growth and development.
We recognise that risks are evolving rapidly in our changing world and that requires new ways of thinking and working to identify, assess and manage risks effectively. We continue to build on the solid foundation that we have already established. Our preparedness for events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting consequences enabled the Group to take a more detailed review and further improve the risk process to obtain better quality output from the corporate planning process and year-end risk assessments. Changes included:
Our governance framework remains robust and largely unchanged in the past year, and has also proven pivotal in managing the business impacts of Covid-19. In summary:
The Group's risk policy sets out how this governance framework translates into the annual risk reporting cycle, which links with our internal audit cycle (see page 77) and informs our management and governance processes specifically for climate related risks (see pages 56 to 58).
Like many other businesses we are subject to general risks such as changes in social, political, financial, regulatory and legislative changes. Our principal risks and uncertainties are those that may have the greatest impact on our key priorities when assessed by considering our controls and other mitigating factors on a net risk basis. These risks have been discussed at Audit Committee meetings during 2020/21. They are summarised with details of our key mitigating activities on pages 52 to 55.
Our key risks continue to follow similar themes to those in previous years but they evolved over the past year, mainly due to the impacts and learnings from the Covid-19 pandemic. 12 principal risks have been identified in our latest assessment across strategic, market, operational, financial, geopolitical and technological risk categories. The changes compared to 2019/20 include:
There are four risks that are considered to be the most disruptive to our plans. These have been placed in the highest priority category. These four risks are:
Our risk management programme includes a formal review of emerging risks. We define emerging risks as those which take the form of a systemic issue or business practice that has either not previously been identified, has been identified but has remained dormant, or has yet to rise to an area of significant concern. The impacts of the pandemic and 'what if' scenario discussions over the past year have created a heightened awareness of new and emerging risks that could impact the Group, our suppliers and customers; for example, post-pandemic ways of working and longer-term skill requirements may emerge as workforce planning risks. Furthermore, scenario work to follow the TCFD guidelines has also focused the identification and assessment of potential short to longer-term emerging risks linked with climate change. The Group continues to develop a more detailed understanding of this specific area of risk management.
Mitigating and/or preventing the effect of risk on our Corporate Plan remains a cornerstone of our Executive and operational management team efforts. Our risk heat map opposite provides a summary of how we assess and evaluate the relationship between the likelihood and severity of our principal risks and uncertainties, taking into account the effectiveness of current mitigations, and informs where the Group should prioritise investments to manage them.
Bubble colour reflects risk relative priority (red highest risk, amber second level, green third level priority)
The Group's strategy and key differentiators are detailed on page 2 and pages 18 and 19, and our risk management framework is described on pages 76 and 77. Understanding of our business model, our strategy and our principal risks is a key element in the assessment of the Group's prospects, as well as the formal consideration of viability.
The Group's Corporate Plan cycle is the primary annual strategic and financial planning activity through which the Board assesses the prospects of the Group, extending for the three successive financial years that follow beyond the year ending after the assessment date. The planning process involves modelling under a series of assumptions surrounding both internal and external parameters, with key assumptions including economic growth projections, input pricing (including paper, fibre, energy and labour), foreign exchange rates and packaging volume growth; combined with the effects of major capital initiatives. The robust Corporate Plan process is led by the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director and the Group Head of Strategy, in conjunction with divisional management. The Board undertakes a detailed review of the Corporate Plan during its December Board meeting.
The most recent Corporate Plan process was undertaken against the backdrop of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic but anticipated a return to pre-Covid-19 levels of activity/profitability in 2022/23. The budget process for 2021/22, conducted subsequent to the Corporate Planning process, reflected different dynamics, particularly with regard to fibre and paper prices, but validated the overall Group profitability as set out in the Corporate Plan in the first financial year. Similarly, the going concern exercise which builds on the budget validated the overall Group profitability as set out in the Corporate Plan for the second year. On that basis, the Directors are satisfied that the Corporate Plan provides a suitable basis for the viability assessment.
The Group's trading performance will be reviewed by the senior management team and the Board in the context of the objectives and targets of the re-forecast, within which the Group's strategy remains embedded.
Although the Directors have no reason to believe that the Group will not be viable over a longer period, the three-year period was chosen for this assessment, having considered the speed and degree of change possible in the key assumptions influencing the Group, as well as the speed of evolution in the footprint of the Group, which limits the Directors' ability to predict beyond this period reliably. Indeed, given the pace of change in the primary sectors in which the Group operates, particularly FMCG and e-commerce, as illustrated by the recent moves away from plastic packaging and the acceleration into e-commerce driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Directors believe that three years represents the most realistic and appropriate timescale over which to assess the Group's viability.
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have assessed the viability of the Group over a threeyear period to 30 April 2024, which is a longer period than the 12-month outlook required in adopting the going concern basis of accounting. This assessment period remains appropriate given the timescale of the Group's planning and investment cycle.
The Directors confirm that they have performed a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group as detailed on pages 47 and 48, including those that will threaten its business model, future performance and solvency or liquidity.
The assessment of the Group's viability considers a severe but plausible scenario aligned to the principal risks and uncertainties set out on pages 52 to 55 where the realisation of these risks is considered remote, considering the effectiveness of the Group's risk management and control systems and current risk appetite. The degree of severity applied in this scenario was based on management's experience and knowledge of the industry to determine plausible movements in assumptions. The Directors note that the Group enjoyed a large degree of resilience to the consequential downturns from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Group has significant financial resources including committed and uncommitted banking and debt facilities, detailed in note 20. In assessing the Group's viability, the Directors have assumed that the existing banking and debt facilities will remain in place or mature as intended.
The Directors have also considered mitigating actions available to the Group to respond to the stress scenarios such as restrictions on capital investment, further cost reduction opportunities, and dividend suspension or restriction on dividend levels. The Directors have assumed that these mitigating actions can be applied on a timely basis and at insignificant or no cost.
Based on the analysis, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three-year period of their assessment.
In determining the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements, the Directors consider the Company's objectives and strategy, its principal risks and uncertainties in achieving its objectives and its review of business performance and financial position, which are all set out in the Strategic Report, Operating review and Financial review sections of this Annual Report. The performance of the Group was impacted during the year by the Covid-19 pandemic but, as an essential supplier, the Group continued to operate throughout the most restrictive lockdown periods. In preparing the financial statements, the Directors have undertaken a going concern review. Further details, including the analysis performed and conclusion reached, are set out below.
The Group's liquidity and funding arrangements are described in notes 19 and 20 to the consolidated financial statements, as well as in the capital structure and treasury management section of the strategic report. The total drawn debt facilities at 30 April 2021 were £2.3 billion, £1.9 billion is publicly listed debt with no attached covenants and £0.2 billion carries a covenant of net debt: EBITDA of less than 3.25 times. In addition, the Group has access to c. £1.4 billion committed bank facilities, which were undrawn at 30 April 2021, which provide liquidity to the Group and carry the same covenant of net debt: EBITDA of less than 3.75 times. The Group is not forecast to increase net debt in the going concern analysis to 30 April 2023.
There is significant liquidity/financing headroom (in excess of £1 billion) across the going concern forecast period in all scenarios considered and outlined in more detail below. For this reason, the going concern review has focused more on forecast covenant compliance which is considered further below.
As a critical part of the supply chain across each of the geographies in which the Group operates, our operations were designated as essential businesses throughout the initial and subsequent lockdown periods. The Group has therefore continued to trade fully throughout the pandemic. Changes were made to operating processes and practices to ensure the business could respond to the specific local government requirements in each country in which it operates.
Although the duration and severity of the lockdown restrictions varied from country to country, in general Covid-19 impacted trading during the first wave of the pandemic from March to June 2020. The Group experienced modest growth towards the end of the first half, with higher and consistent monthly growth in the second half, including those periods impacted by subsequent waves and restrictions. This experience informs the going concern modelling undertaken, which anticipates less impact from Covid-19 going forward than was experienced in the year to 30 April 2021.
While the outlook for the Group is more certain than it was during the last annual going concern review process, there is still uncertainty in a number of key areas. Ongoing variability in the speed of the economic recovery across the regions we operate in, continued restrictions on movement across Europe and volatility in the price of core materials mean that a level of uncertainty persists going into the new financial year.
The Group has modelled two scenarios in its assessment of going concern. These are:
The base case is derived from the full year 2022 budget, which was approved by the Board in April 2021, and anticipates Covid-19 restrictions and impacts to reduce as the 2021/22 year progresses. The key inputs and assumptions in the base case include:
In addition to the base case, a downside case has been constructed from the more conservative scenario compiled during the Corporate Plan process. Key assumptions are as follows:
The purpose of the assessment was to consider if there was a significant risk that the Group would breach its key financial covenants on the committed bank facilities of net debt: EBITDA less than 3.75 times. Under neither scenario was the covenant breached at any of the forecast testing dates – 31 October 2021, 30 April 2022, 31 October 2022 and 30 April 2023 – and significant headroom was available in each case.
An explicit reverse stress test scenario has not been modelled on the basis that the Board feels that the downside case already represents conservative assumptions that are considered unlikely to occur in combination and, even if they did occur, there remains considerable headroom over the going concern period. At a high level, we have estimated that the Group's EBITA would have to fall by around half from the £502 million achieved in the year ended 30 April 2021 before the net debt: EBITDA covenant 3.75 times ratio would be breached in the going concern assessment period. Given the current and expected future market conditions, this reduction, and the factors that would need to occur for this scenario to materialise, is considered to be extremely remote.
The outturns of the above scenario modelling, combined with the strong performance operating throughout the pandemic in 2020/21, provide the Group a level of comfort that no significant cost/cash flow mitigations need to be built into the going concern modelling. However, a range of options remain at the Group's disposal should they be required which provide the opportunity to support operating profit, cash flow and net debt, including:
The Group could also consider actions to assist covenant compliance, such as optimising working capital by negotiating longer payment terms whilst continuing to pay suppliers in full and in line with contractual terms.
Based on the forecast and the scenarios modelled, together with the performance of the Group in 2020/21, the Directors consider that the Group has significant covenant and liquidity headroom in its borrowing facilities to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, at the June 2021 Board meeting, the Directors concluded from this analysis it was appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The long-term impact of Covid-19 is uncertain and should the impact of the pandemic on trading conditions be more prolonged or severe than currently anticipated by the Directors under the downside scenario, the Group has sufficient operational or financial options available to mitigate any risk to this going concern assumption.
| Risk priority classification |
1 | 1 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk | 1. Eurozone and macro economic impacts Multiple political/economic factors from Brexit, foreign exchange/interest rates, to weakening major economies significantly impact the level of consumer spend and |
2. Paper / fibre price volatility Volatile commodity pricing for recovered paper (including old corrugated cases (OCC)) and containerboard grades can create significant short-term challenges |
3. Cyber attacks A major cyber incident on our information or operational technology (i.e. ransomware) and/ or a failure to stop/identify sophisticated malicious cyber intruders on our IT infrastructure (i.e. phishing attacks) resulting |
|
| customer demand for our packaging products. |
to capture appropriate margins by aligning raw material costs to packaging sales revenues. |
in short-term trading impacts, financial losses and reputational harm – impacting us, our suppliers and customers. |
||
| Inherent risk expected change |
||||
| Key mitigating actions |
• Focus remains on supplying packaging to fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) customers with a constant focus on quality, service and volume growth, as these customers tend to show greatest resilience against GDP volatility • Investments in cost base and production efficiencies and working capital initiatives to balance macro-economic trends with sustainable growth priorities • Procurement transformations and new supply chain flows due to Brexit are helping to evolve our operating model. |
• Our focus is to provide sufficient paper from internal paper manufacturing operations to support our Packaging division, whilst determining the optimal integration level, to ensure that we can balance the external effects of paper price volatility over the long term • Initiatives to implement productivity improvements, demand forecasting improvements and the development of skills and tools in our sales and paper sourcing teams • Continual focus on contract management to fully recover input costs. |
• Regular awareness training to better equip our employees with the knowledge to identify potential phishing/other social engineering techniques, supported by our Group Head of IT Security and expanding internal resourcing as well as external expert advice • Investments in specific IT security controls to improve our capability to detect, respond to, and prevent cyber attacks, such as tools and services to monitor the IT estate • Regular improvements in, and testing of, IT disaster recovery planning, including penetration/vulnerability testing, to ensure the Group's ability to recover from outages, identify gaps and progress along our risk remediation roadmap. |
|
| Net risk expected change |
||||
| Perceived Covid-19 impact |
Prolonged challenging economic conditions | Supply / demand dynamics affected by changes in FMCG and industrial markets |
Increased threat potential of infiltrating IT security controls given remote working |
|
| Key Risk Indicator |
Eurozone GDP growth rate | Paper / recovered fibre market price and box selling price |
IT security phishing campaign statistics | |
| Risk tolerance to Corporate Plan priorities |
||||
| Opportunity examples |
Ability to reposition our business model outside of our traditional geographic markets and sources of supply. |
Accelerate improvements in commercial awareness and expertise of pricing fluctuations and strengthen the effectiveness of fibre and efficiency programmes. |
Accelerated investments to strengthen our technology infrastructure and operational resilience to prevent losses and enhance business continuity credentials. |
|
| Alignment with strategic priority |
To double our size and profitability | To double our size and profitability | To double our size and profitability | |
| Governance oversight |
Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director present reviews and forecasts on the impact of the macro-economic environment at each Board meeting. |
The Group Chief Executive and Group Finance Director present regular updates on paper prices to the Board. |
Cyber security assessment reports, IT network management and external advisory guidance are reviewed by the Executive Directors and Audit Committee. |
| Risk priority classification |
2 | 2 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk | 7. Packaging capacity limits to growth Our performance and volume growth expectations, and an increasing demand for packaging, is limited by our production capacity and ability to grow organically at the pace required. |
8. Organisation capability Our management approach to our people and assets, including succession planning, talent retention and development, and strategy for ageing assets, fails to identify and resource for future capability needs, resulting in critical gaps in skills, knowledge and equipment, limiting productivity gains across key business areas. |
9. Substitution of fibre packaging Fibre-based packaging loses its credentials as a sustainable product of choice against developments in plastic packaging or other materials that can be reused and recycled, resulting in our products being substituted and/or replaced by competitor products. |
|
| Inherent risk expected change |
||||
| Key mitigating actions |
• Targeted organic growth in our existing key markets from strategic investments in new greenfield packaging manufacturing sites, including our operational start-up in Indiana (USA), and new builds commencing in Poland and Italy • Further expansions/developments of our current packaging sites through multi-year capital plans, enhancing equipment utilisation and efficiency, whilst improving the customer production footprint alignment • Developing clusters of production sites to improve capacity loading, and sales and operational performance programmes to optimise a full system of supply/demand loading, inventory and logistics planning. |
• People performance, potential and succession management is formally reviewed and subject to calibration by senior management, and core skills gaps are identified to inform clear action plans and address key talent retention or attraction risks, including a diversity and inclusion action plan • Annual senior talent reviews address strategic workforce questions, and evaluate the capability profile of the senior leadership population, the bench strength of the talent pipeline, and actions progressed throughout the following year • Our HR and operational leaders collaborate to prioritise key business transformation activities aimed at new and foreseeable work realities and operating models, to work to deliver a step change in organisation flexibility and productivity. |
• Collaboration between our Paper and Packaging divisions and research and development teams to deliver innovative papers and corrugated products, and develop new materials with our suppliers and partners for barrier/lamination concepts and plastic replacements • Our Recycling division uses commercial insights and works to create pan European alignment in our services, including providing our key packaging customers with closed loop opportunities • Focused communication strategies to maintain and build the reputation of fibre-based materials in terms of recyclability, innovations and sustainability credentials, and working with the industry to develop quality standards. |
|
| Net risk expected change |
||||
| Perceived Covid-19 impact |
Record volume demand for certain customers and/or markets |
Potential opportunities to secure critical talent but challenges our skills development and culture |
Heightened interest for hygienic packaging but not to the detriment of sustainable solutions |
|
| Key Risk Indicator |
Packaging demand and production volumes |
Employee turnover including external/internal hiring ratios and diversity and inclusion metrics |
Fibre packaging volume and market share growth |
|
| Risk tolerance to Corporate Plan priorities |
||||
| Opportunity examples |
Develop and grow our own business in line with our customers' growth, working together to serve the changing consumer demand, whilst maintaining high quality and service offering. |
Our HR and operational priorities focused on improving processes, productivity and ways of working to capture and enhance people and equipment capabilities. |
Accelerated research, development and investment into new and enhanced fibre-based products to serve the sustainable packaging demand and grow our reputation. |
|
| Alignment with strategic priority |
To delight our customers | To realise the potential of our people | To lead the way in sustainability | |
| Governance oversight |
Demand and production metrics are reported through monthly divisional trading update meetings, and multi-year demand forecasts reviewed by the GSC. |
The Nomination Committee regularly reviews Board succession planning and receives updates on senior talent management programmes. |
The Board receives regular product innovation updates. |
| Record volume demand for certain Potential opportunities to secure critical talent Heightened interest for hygienic but challenges our skills development and packaging but not to the detriment of culture sustainable solutions |
Erratic fluctuations in business activity and heightened competition |
Accelerated the move to online purchasing and instant virtual interactions |
Accelerated the existing trend of changes in shopping habits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee turnover including external/internal Fibre packaging volume and market share hiring ratios and diversity and inclusion metrics growth |
Proportion of market share | Customer satisfaction surveys and website visitor traffic |
Revenue growth from FMCG sector |
| Our HR and operational priorities focused on Accelerated research, development and improving processes, productivity and ways of investment into new and enhanced working to capture and enhance people and fibre-based products to serve the sustainable packaging demand and grow our reputation. |
Strengthen our differentiation and reputation, and capture additional market share during times of disruption amongst key competitors. |
Capitalise on digital investments which build our reputation as an easy and accessible business to work with and buy from. |
Changes in consumer needs and behaviours lead to new opportunities to actively engage customers on cardboard packaging solutions. |
| To lead the way in sustainability | To double our size and profitability | To delight our customers | To double our size and profitability |
| The Board receives regular product innovation updates. |
The Group Finance Director provides the Board with regular updates on market and competitor activity. |
The GOC and Board are provided with updates on digital initiatives and customer experience. |
Trading, customer and consumer trends and the innovation pipeline are regularly discussed with the Board. |
As the pace of change in the world around us increases, it is becoming more apparent that we only have limited time in which to act if the world is to avoid the worst effects of climate change. This presents businesses and policymakers with a range of challenges and opportunities, not least for energy-intensive industries such as paper and pulp. In our circular business model, materials are kept in use for longer, which reduces waste and pollution. Energy is used to transform materials as they move through this system in a circular process. Lowering carbon emissions requires a combination of resource efficiency, technological advances, renewables deployment and policy measures, as set out in the CEPI 2050 roadmap.
We are supportive of the Paris Agreement on climate change, recognising the urgent need to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, substantially reducing the impact of climate change. We have implemented the recommendations set out by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), taking the opportunity to evaluate potential financial and strategic implications arising from climate change and develop appropriate responses.
Our Purpose is 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World'. Amongst other megatrends, climate change is a force reshaping the world, calling for rapid decarbonisation of the global economy. Consumers demand greater performance from our circular packaging solutions, which reduce emissions through reusability and recyclability. The environmental performance of our packaging is driven largely by energy consumed during manufacture, which exposes the Group to regulation aimed at increasing the cost of greenhouse gas emissions (for example, carbon taxes such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)). There is therefore an opportunity to minimise our spend on carbon taxes by lowering our emissions through utilisation of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures that in turn improve the environmental performance of our product. Our greatest opportunity is to meet the increasing demand for environmental performance in the design, use and disposal of our products, responding to consumer preferences that favour low-impact packaging. Once deployed, our roadmap of carbon reduction investments will increase the long-term resilience of our energy supply, providing reliable, affordable and clean energy and improving the environmental performance of our packaging. In the long term, shifts in market forces and changes in weather patterns have the potential to threaten the supply or cost of key raw materials such as recyclate, pulp and starch. There is a chance that without substantial climate action, more disruptive physical risks such as water scarcity take hold. This invites opportunities to reduce reliance on key resources through efficiency and technological measures that reduce operating costs, and increase supply chain resilience and our ability to operate under various conditions.
We applied several peer-reviewed reference scenarios to our most material risks and opportunities to consider the effect of various plausible future conditions on our business. In each scenario, we assumed that we have the same business activities that we have today and focus on a specific material risk or opportunity. We used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in our analysis, giving preference to quantitative information where good quality, decision-useful data is available from reputable sources. We worked with a leading climate change consultancy, who validated our climate scenario analysis findings to date and have recommended that we continue to develop this work to inform our approach to climate change. Where good quality data is available from these scenarios, we calculated the financial implications of material risks and opportunities as illustrative estimates based on present day costs and in the context given within each scenario.
The estimated impacts therefore should be considered in the context of current financial performance and the actual future impact will vary according to prevailing costs and pricing at that time.
IEA SDS 1.5°C Pulp & Paper1: In this scenario, growth in production and energy consumption are decoupled to achieve decarbonisation to the extent required to be on track with the Sustainable Development Scenario by 2030.
IEA ETP SDS 2°C2: In this scenario, mitigation measures are applied to carbon intensive industries, alongside technological advancements to the extent required to limit global warming to within 2°C by 2100 versus pre-industrial levels.
IPPC RCP 8.5 6°C3: In this scenario, a 'business as usual' state of no policy changes leads to growth in emissions, causing some of the physical effects of climate change to be felt with greater severity.
Under EU ETS, our European mills must purchase additional carbon allowances to cover their emissions. In 2020, we paid €39 million to the scheme. The free-issued allowances are being reduced whilst the price of additional allowances is increasing, therefore increasing our operating costs. There is a risk that by 2030 the price could increase, for example, from €50 to €110 per tonne of carbon which were this to happen could result in an annual cost of c. €80 million by 2030, depending on the allocation of free allowances. There is the possibility that the scheme could be extended or that new carbon taxes could be introduced in other parts of the world to incentivise decarbonisation. For example, the IEA ETP 2°C scenario describes the introduction of a North American carbon tax rising to \$210 per tonne by 2050. If this tax were applied to our projected future emissions, this could result in an additional cost of c. £9 million annually by 2030.
Increasing cost of raw materials or threat to supply
Key raw materials (e.g. pulp, recyclate or starch) could become more expensive and/or difficult to acquire because of climate change. This could be due to chronic physical reasons (e.g. extreme variability in weather patterns), regulatory change (e.g. caps on resource extraction) or market disincentives (e.g. licences for extraction). Aspects of climate change are likely to affect forest growth and productivity, impacting the virgin fibre market. Although our exposure to this market is limited as our packaging is primarily manufactured from recycled fibres (c. 83 per cent of the papers used by our Packaging division are from 100 per cent recycled content), potential future yield losses could drive up the price of virgin fibre and changing input prices may be passed on to us by suppliers and have a subsequent impact on papers for recycling. Using data from the Global Forest Products Model to assume, for example, that average virgin paper price increases by 5 per cent by 2030, this could result in an additional cost, which would likely have to be recovered through increased pricing to our end customers. Paper and fibre price volatility and security of supply are considered principal risks for the Group and are balanced over the long term by optimising the best fit between paper production, fibre sourcing and packaging demand.
Competition for limited water resources could increase in the long term in river basins. Using the WRI Aqueduct tool4, we identified 25 sites at risk of future water stress and in 2020/21 we achieved our target to implement a water stress mitigation plan at these sites. This involves business continuity planning and regular water performance reviews, requiring that sites maintain contact with external stakeholders (e.g. water authority and community). We are implementing water reduction, reuse and recycle opportunities, for example at our De Hoop and Lucca Mills, where water is recirculated before it is returned to the natural environment. In the IPCC RCP 8.5°C scenario, the worstcase scenario suggests that ten further sites become at risk of water stress during the period 2030-40. Initial analysis suggests that this would be unlikely to have a material impact in our most pessimistic scenario, valued at less than c. £1 million business interruption value at risk by 2030.
As society transitions to a low emissions economy, we see an opportunity for circular packaging to play a
powerful role in helping brands and consumers reduce their carbon footprint. There is an opportunity to grow market share and value in meeting the demand for sustainable packaging and we continue to invest in innovation that balances cost, service, quality and sustainability. Led by our strategic goal, 'to double in size and profitability', we continue to drive organic growth, maximise the opportunities from acquired businesses and invest in growing areas of the corrugated packaging market. In the IEA SDS 1.5°C scenario, annual paper production is described as growing by 1.2 per cent annually over the decade to 2030, meeting demand for packaging and necessitating greater recycling. This presents a growth opportunity that could be valued at c. £32 million increase in EBITDA per year by 2030.
In order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, the global energy system must radically reduce emissions, calling for rapid deployment of low carbon energy generation. Delivering our carbon reduction target requires a mixture of energy efficiency, fuel-switching and plant upgrade measures. As energy systems and technologies evolve, there is an opportunity to be at the forefront of adoption, for example increasing the use of alternative fuels to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In the IEA SDS 1.5°C scenario, energy use in the Pulp and Paper sector is described as declining by 0.6 per cent per year to get on track with the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) by 2030. A reduction in energy consumption results in a lesser cost, an opportunity that could be valued at c. £16 million per year by 2030 based on current energy costs. An example of realising this opportunity is at our Lucca Mill, where in 2020/21 in partnership with GE Gas Power, we deployed a new gas turbine which will result in a 2 per cent improvement in efficiency, reducing gas consumption and carbon emissions per tonne of product.
We can achieve greater resource efficiency by encouraging markets to improve recycling infrastructure, including increasing waste segregation to create raw material streams that are cleaner and require less processing. Access to high quality wastepaper for recycling means less processing (therefore less energy and water consumption) and less volume of recyclate needed overall, which generates cost savings for our papermaking operations. We continue to advocate for separate collection of paper and cardboard recyclables to improve quality of material by reducing contamination, increasing recycling rates, lowering environmental impact and cost for local authorities as part of our engagement with policymakers to contribute to realising this opportunity.
Whilst the climate scenario analysis suggests that there could be some financial risk to DS Smith by 2030, predominantly due to increased costs which would need to be managed, we would not have to make material changes to our business model. There are opportunities to increase the sophistication of our modelling. For example, we have not considered the financial implications of secondary impacts, for example reputational damage that may occur under some of the scenarios. Particularly as new, higher quality data becomes available (for example, better long-term projections of future raw material supply under various conditions), we will continue to use climate scenario analysis to understand the effects climate change may have on our business and ensure we have appropriate mitigations in place to remain competitive in the future environment in which we will operate.
"As society transitions to a low emissions economy, we see an opportunity for circular packaging to play a powerful role in helping brands and consumers reduce their carbon footprint."
We undertake regular materiality analysis to ensure our sustainability priorities remain aligned to those of our stakeholders. In our most recent analysis, conducted in late 2019, we consulted stakeholders on a range of climate issues, asking them about their perception of each issue as a risk or opportunity to our sustainability strategy. This assessment, combined with a range of other credible sources (such as CEPI and CDP), is used to evaluate the likelihood of occurrence and the estimated severity of resulting financial or strategic impact over the short term (0-1 year), medium term (1-3 years) and long term (3+ years). Based on this assessment, material risks are evaluated in greater depth, considering our operations, supply chain, stakeholder expectations and regulation. Transition risks are assessed by Group strategy and Group sustainability teams, collaborating across multiple functions to develop responses to the financial and strategic implications. Physical risks are assessed by each division, supported by the Group Risk and Insurance team, involving other internal stakeholders and drawing on expertise from specialist organisations. Whether to mitigate, transfer or accept a risk is influenced by a range of factors, including but not limited to site location and added value, prioritising strategic locations. Our risk management processes require that our material business risks, including climate risks, are graded on a scoring scale from negligible to critical using specific impact criteria such as a financial value range. By way of example, a financial impact between 2.5 per cent and 10 per cent of operating income or net profit is considered moderate financial or strategic impact. Climate risks are evaluated using the Group's common risk language and are incorporated into our enterprise risk assessments where such risks could materially affect the business during our Corporate Plan time horizon. All divisions produce formal principal risk assessment reports twice per year, and undertake frequent risk reviews, considering the ratings, trends and controls. The most material climate risks and opportunities have been selected for climate scenario analysis, prioritising those for which good quality data is available.
Members of the Board, Audit Committee and Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability (HSES) Committee maintain oversight of climate risk. Risks are monitored as part of our standard operating processes to ensure that appropriate mitigations are in place and are regularly reviewed by management. Climate issues are assessed by the sustainability leadership team (SUS LT) and HSES Committee when developing strategies and policies. These are reported to executive management on an ongoing basis, providing updates on the delivery of plans. Progress against our targets for addressing climate issues is monitored by the Board and Group Operating Committee (GOC), chaired by the Group Chief Executive. The Board receives regular updates on risk mitigation methods and progress.
We use metrics and targets to report progress to external audiences annually and review performance internally on a monthly basis. We have set a range of targets in our Now and Next sustainability strategy that address climate risk such as our carbon reduction target and water stewardship targets (pages 12 and 13). Metrics are used to monitor progress towards these targets, including monitoring metrics, such as 'carbon intensity per tonne of production (kg CO2e/tnsp)' (page 33) and 'total water consumption in areas at risk of water stress (%)' (page 31), in addition to mitigation metrics, such as 'total energy consumption (GWh)' (page 33) and 'sites at risk of current or future water stress with mitigation plans in place (%)' (page 31). In addition, in recognition of the importance and commitment to sustainability, an ESG underpin has been introduced into the 2021/22 Executive Director annual bonus plan.
For more information about how we are leading the way in sustainability, please see the latest DS Smith Sustainability Report.
The table below sets out where stakeholders can find information in our Strategic Report that relates to non-financial matters as required under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive requirements:
| Reporting requirements | Some of the relevant policies | Where to read more in this report about our impact, including the principal risks relating to these matters |
Page(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental | • Group Sustainability policy1 | • Our sustainability approach, strategy, focus and targets | 12 |
| matters | • Our sustainability performance | 30-33 | |
| • Our differentiators | 18 | ||
| • Risk – sustainability | 53 | ||
| Employees | • Code of Conduct2 | • What we create for our people | 24 |
| • 'Speak Up!'2 | • Diversity and Inclusion | 28 | |
| • Group Health and Safety policy2 | • To realise the potential of our people – performance | 24 | |
| • Equal Opportunities and Anti | Health, safety and wellbeing | 25 | |
| Discrimination policy1 | • Risk – organisation capability | 54 | |
| • Personal Data Protection policy1 | • Gender pay gap reporting | 29 | |
| • Data Retention policy1 | • Our Purpose | 2 | |
| Human rights | • Code of Conduct2 | • Sustainable governance | 53 |
| • Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking policy2 | • Risk – governance | 53 | |
| Social matters | • Code of Conduct2 | • Contributing to our communities | 32 |
| • Gifts and Hospitality policy2 | |||
| Compliance | • Compliance Framework policy (Corporate Criminal Offence)2 |
• Risk – governance | 53 |
| • Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policy2 | |||
| • Competition Law Compliance policy1 | |||
| • Commercial Agents policy1 | |||
| Business model | • Our business model | 16 | |
| Non-financial KPIs | • Employees: accident frequency rate | 24 | |
| • Sustainability: CO2 equivalent emissions | 33 | ||
| • Customers: on-time in-full deliveries | 22 |
Available to all employees through the DS Smith intranet. Not published externally.
Available both on our website www.dssmith.com and to employees through the DS Smith intranet.
A combination of online and in person training on all the key policies is carried out across the Group and there is also a system of bi-annual certification for senior managers, certifying that they have read and understood the policies, have cascaded down to their direct reports and that they are not aware of any breach of such policies. All employees, contractors and third parties are encouraged to report any circumstances where there is a suspected or actual breach of any of the DS Smith policies, applicable laws, or the high standards as set out in the Code of Conduct, either through their managers, the confidential 'Speak Up!' helpline or directly to the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary. All reported incidences of actual or suspected breach of any of the policies are promptly and thoroughly investigated. The Compliance Committee and the Audit Committee also consider any high risk areas identified by the internal audit function, the legal team or the divisional compliance teams.
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Code of Conduct | The Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates (Group) are committed to the highest ethical standards in the way in which we engage with each other, our customers, employees, shareholders, suppliers and other stakeholders. Our Code of Conduct sets out what these commitments mean and the behaviours which are expected of all its employees, consultants and officers. |
| Alongside the Code of Conduct we have an Employee Charter drawn up in partnership with the European Works Council which builds on our Code of Conduct and reinforces our standing commitment to comply with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. We also have other key Group policies outlined below, which serve to further expand upon the provisions in the Code of Conduct. |
|
| We are firmly committed to both the principle and realisation of equal opportunities and have further underlined our expectations with a new Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination policy launched this year supported by comprehensive training and awareness. |
|
| Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policy |
DS Smith has zero tolerance for any form of bribery or corruption and is committed to complying with all applicable anti-bribery and corruption laws. In addition to ensuring that our employees and contractors are compliant with the Group's Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption policy, we require that all third parties engaging with any DS Smith entity comply with this policy in order to ensure compliance with applicable anti-bribery and corruption laws and preserve our own and our customers' reputations. |
| Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking policy |
DS Smith has a zero tolerance approach to modern slavery both within the Group and within its supply chain. We respect fundamental human rights and is committed to the principles set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and this is documented in our Code of Conduct, Employee Charter and Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking policy. Our progress in the area of modern slavery is set out in our annual Modern Slavery statement. The ultimate responsibility for prevention of modern slavery rests with the Group's leadership, with the Board of Directors having overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented across the Group. |
| Commercial Agents policy |
It is important to our ongoing success that we avoid damage to our reputation due to an act carried out by an agent in our name. The Commercial Agents policy outlines the rules that we expect to be followed across the Group when engaging and monitoring our relationships with agents. This policy also offers guidance to our agents on what is expected of them as an agent of DS Smith. This ensures that agents are properly vetted and monitored. |
| Competition Law Compliance policy |
DS Smith is committed to ensuring that our activities within the European Union (EU) and outside the EU are conducted in compliance with the principles of the EU competition rules as well as all applicable national rules that apply to DS Smith. Group Legal is tasked with assessing and identifying antitrust risks faced within the Group. |
| Compliance Framework policy (Corporate Criminal Offence) |
DS Smith's Compliance Framework policy sets out compliance processes for Corporate Criminal Offence (CCO) which are communicated to all suppliers and is part of due diligence when considering new acquisitions. Training on this policy takes place virtually and where possible face to face with relevant personnel across the Group encompassing all new acquisitions as well as all new joiners. The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary reports on CCO compliance to the Audit Committee at least twice a year. |
| Document Retention policy |
In the course of carrying out its various business activities, we collect information from individuals and external organisations and generates a wide range of data and information which is recorded and stored. We are therefore committed to ensuring that data (especially personal data) is only retained for as long as this is necessary. |
| Equal Opportunities and Anti Discrimination policy |
DS Smith is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Job applicants, employees and contingent workers will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For DS Smith it is imperative to provide a respectful work environment and we have a zero tolerance approach to discrimination. All parties are encouraged to raise concerns if they find conduct within DS Smith that is offensive or a violation of this policy, through their line manager, local human resources (HR) or the 'Speak Up!' process so the Group can investigate and take appropriate remedial measures to end any conduct that violates this policy. The Group Operational Committee (GOC) has overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy and for ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The HR team has responsibility for implementation, management and ensuring compliance. All managers must set an appropriate standard of behaviour, lead by example and promote the Company's policies and standards on this matter. |
| Policy | Description |
|---|---|
| Gifts and Hospitality policy |
We recognise that the act of giving and accepting gifts and hospitality can be part of building normal business relationships. However, our Gifts and Hospitality policy aims to ensure that our employees and contractors never accept gifts or hospitality which could break the law, compromise their judgement, conflict with their duty to DS Smith or our customers, or which could appear to others that their business judgement has been improperly influenced. Equally, our employees and contractors must never offer a gift or hospitality which could have this effect on the recipient. In order to monitor compliance with these principles, each division is required to maintain a gifts and hospitality register in accordance with the policy. |
| Group Health and Safety policy |
Health and safety is the top priority and we actively strive for the continuous improvement of health and safety in the workplace. We aim to provide a healthy and safe working environment for all our employees and to ensure the safety of our contractors, site visitors, the public and all others affected by our operations. The ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the Group Chief Executive, the Board members and the executive management team. This responsibility is cascaded through the organisation via divisional/regional Chief Executive Officers and their leadership teams, enabling us to comply with local health and safety laws and regulations in addition to our own standards and guidelines. |
| Group Procure to Pay policy |
This policy establishes a framework for payment of procured goods and services and must be applied when purchasing on behalf of DS Smith. This provides, amongst other benefits, for a uniform and adequate control over these purchases and their payment which is essential for DS Smith's financial management, ensures best practice in full compliance of ethical and statutory obligations, ensures that transactions are transparent and support audit and regulatory requirement and ensures adherence to all governance and controls to reduce risk and potentially fraudulent activity. |
| Group Sustainability policy |
Our sustainability strategy is supported by policies which align the management of sustainability issues across our organisation. Risks arising from sustainability issues are considered as being among the key risks to the Group's operations. To manage and mitigate such risks we have policies for existing and emerging sustainability issues. Our policies include Conflict Minerals, Carbon and Energy Efficiency, Community Engagement, Global Supplier Standards, Water Stewardship, Zero Waste to Landfill and Sustainable Forest Management and Fibre Sourcing. These policies are periodically reviewed and updated, with action plans communicated to the heads of each business unit. The Board receives regular reports on performance and the Group Chief Executive is responsible for addressing sustainability-related issues. The Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee meets monthly and the Sustainability Steering Group oversees the process for addressing sustainability-related issues and sets and monitors internal targets and strategies to ensure sustainability related risks and opportunities are appropriately managed. |
| Personal Data Protection policy |
DS Smith takes the issue of the protection of individuals' personal data very seriously. Compliance with data protection laws is critical to the success of our business. Compliance with statutory data protection is the basis of the relationship with our employees, customers, suppliers and business partners. The management of the relevant DS Smith company is responsible for compliance with the data protection principles and must be able to verify their compliance. |
| 'Speak Up!' policy | All DS Smith employees, those providing services to DS Smith (contingent workers), shareholders, and Non-Executive Directors are expected to conduct Company business in a legal and ethical manner as detailed in our Code of Conduct. They have a responsibility not only to be aware of the Code of Conduct but to bring to the attention of management any activity which may be in violation of Company policy, local law or does not meet the standards set out in the Code of Conduct. Employees are encouraged in the first instance to report any concerns to their line manager, local HR or employee representative. If not comfortable to do so, then there are three 'Speak Up!' options available, where a report can be made through a dedicated free phone line or a website (both maintained by an independent third party that is under a duty of confidentiality). The phone and website support a majority of languages spoken across DS Smith. Alternatively the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary can be contacted via email or letter. All options are available 24 hours a day seven days a week. All 'Speak Up!' reports are treated in the strictest confidence. It is our policy to build a climate of support if concerns are raised, including suspected breach of our Code of Conduct, where there is an avenue to report and be confidentially investigated. |
This Strategic Report, including pages 1 to 61, was approved by the Board of Directors on 21 June 2021 and is signed on its behalf by
Miles Roberts Group Chief Executive
Geoff Drabble Chairman
• Geoff is Non-Executive Chairman of Ferguson plc and a Non-Executive Director of Howden Joinery Group Plc.
Geoff was appointed to the Board on 1 September 2020 as a Non-Executive Director and became the Chairman of the Board and the Nomination Committee on 3 January 2021. Geoff served for 12 years as Chief Executive of Ashtead Group plc, the FTSE 100 industrial equipment rental company. He was previously an executive director of The Laird Group plc and held a number of senior management positions at Black & Decker.
Geoff's wealth of industrial and international experience, combined with his experience of chairing boards of listed companies and his awareness of both the non-executive and chief executive perspective, means that his skills and experience contribute to the Board's practical understanding of good governance in action, balancing stakeholders' interests across the range of issues considered by the Board, including environmental, social and governance matters.
director of Aggreko plc Miles was appointed to the Board on 4 May 2010 as Group Chief Executive.
Following his engineering degree he became a chartered accountant and brings to the Board extensive financial and operational experience. He was previously Chief Executive of McBride plc, having originally joined as its Group Finance Director. He was Senior Independent Director of Poundland Group plc until September 2016.
As Group Chief Executive Miles leads the executive management of the Group and is responsible for DS Smith's overall environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and its clear objectives at the centre of our business model. He chairs the Group's Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability Committee that monitors the establishment of goals, reporting and related governance procedures.
Miles' strong leadership skills combined with his clear strategic mindset, rooted in the practicality of his engineering and accountancy training, means that his skills and experience, and ability to identify material risks and sustainable growth opportunities for the Group's business, contribute to the Board's clear strategic vision.
• Adrian is a non-executive director and audit committee chairman at John Wood Group PLC
Adrian was appointed to the Board on 24 September 2013 as Group Finance Director.
As the former head of Tax, Treasury and Corporate Finance at Tesco PLC, Adrian has helped DS Smith to significantly build the finance function and deliver strong financial results. As a qualified accountant, and coming from a FTSE background, he has held divisional CFO positions at both AstraZeneca plc and Pilkington plc.
Adrian's depth of experience in a range of financial roles in large listed multinationals means that his skills and experience contribute to the Board's understanding of all aspects of the financial implications, whether risks or opportunities, of both the routine and project aspects of the Group's business and operations.
• Celia is the senior independent director and the remuneration committee chair at Senior plc and remuneration committee chair at RHI Magnesita NV
Celia was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee on 9 October 2019.
Most recently Celia was Director of Group HR and responsible for all ESG activities at Bunzl plc for 13 years. Her early executive career was with Ford Motor Company and KPMG. She has held HR positions with Hays plc, Enterprise Oil Plc and Tate & Lyle Plc. As a non-executive director she was on the board of NV Bekaert SA until May 2020.
Celia's background of working in a range of sectors means that, as well as her experience as a remuneration committee chairman and her understanding of employee dynamics and ESG issues, she brings extensive and practical business knowledge to the Board.
• Broad and wide-ranging marketing experience • International outlook
• Alina is a Global Client Leader at WPP, a leading international marketing communications company
Alina was appointed to the Board on 1 May 2020 as a Non-Executive Director.
She has over 25 years of experience building global brands for large multinational clients, helping them grow their business through communications, experience, commerce and technology. Her current role with WPP includes working with global clients on their sustainability agenda. Originally from the Ukraine and a US national, Alina has lived and worked in the UK, US, Australia and Germany, where she was CEO of Grey Advertising and, later, of DDB Tribal Group.
Alina's experience of living, as well as working, in a number of different countries, including the US, combined with her expertise in marketing and communications means that her skills and experience will contribute an additional perspective to the Board's discussions, particularly when considering the interests of employees (based in over 30 countries) and our global customers and discussing how to communicate key non-financial aspects of our business.
Committee
• David is the senior independent director and audit committee chair at FirstGroup PLC and non-executive director of easyJet plc.
David was appointed to the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 11 April 2019 and became Chairman of the Audit Committee at the conclusion of the 2019 AGM.
He was previously Finance Director of Rexam PLC, before its £4.3 billion acquisition by Ball Corporation in 2016. Prior to his role at Rexam, in the aluminium packaging business, David served in senior finance roles at BTR plc before becoming Group Finance Director at CMG plc in 2000 and then Chief Financial Officer at Royal P&O Nedloyd N.V. in 2004. He served as a nonexecutive director of the BBC between 2006 and 2010 and as Chairman of their audit committee. David qualified as a chartered accountant at KPMG.
David's strong financial, risk management and corporate finance experience combined with his international and strategic mindset and deep and practical governance experience with over 20 years serving as a director on FTSE boards means that his skills and experience add depth to the Board's discussions in these areas.
• Strong HR experience • Extensive knowledge of people management, rewards and remuneration schemes
• Louise is Group Human Resources Director and an executive director of Whitbread PLC
Louise was appointed to the Board on 23 June 2014 as a Non-Executive Director.
She has held several key transformation and HR roles at Whitbread PLC, spanning 25 years of growth and significant change for the companies in that group. She previously worked as an HR professional in the oil industry, with BP and Esso Petroleum. Louise is an alumna of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and has experience of leading timely evolutions to sustainability strategies.
Louise's experience as a serving listed company executive director over the last eight years, combined with her extensive knowledge of progressive people management practices in multi-site large scale businesses, means that her skill and experience contribute to the Board's focus on the importance of enabling everyone who works for the Group, whatever their background, to realise their potential.
• Rupert is Group Chief Executive Officer at Serco Group plc
Rupert was appointed to the Board on 1 March 2019 as a Non-Executive Director and became Senior Independent Director at the conclusion of the 2019 AGM.
He was previously Chief Executive at Aggreko plc and Chief Executive of Misys plc Banking and Securities Division. Until July 2016 Rupert was also Senior Independent Director of Electrocomponents plc and a member of its Remuneration, Nomination and Audit Committees.
Rupert's hands on experience of the UK plc environment as a serving CEO, balancing the management of risk and reward, combined with the wealth of his international operational experience means that his skills and experience contribute to the Board's international outlook, embedded in a clear-sighted view of operational realities in today's world.
Iain was appointed Group General Counsel and Company Secretary on 6 June 2016.
He has previously held General Counsel and Company Secretary roles with Signature Aviation plc and P&O Ports Ltd. He undertook his legal training with Slaughter and May and worked for a number of years in their corporate and commercial department.
"Good governance requires the right information to be brought before the right people at the right time."
Geoff Drabble, Chairman
This section of the Annual Report focuses on corporate governance. In essence, good governance requires the right information to be brought before the right people at the right time.
Never has this been more important than in the past 12 months, when we have all faced challenges in every aspect of our lives and when having as comprehensive and rounded a view of the context in which our decisions are taken has never been more relevant, nor, at some stages in the year, more difficult.
Your Board understands that good corporate governance is an essential element in helping to build a successful business in a sustainable manner. There are five sections to the UK's Corporate Governance Code (Code) and the governance section of our Annual Report follows the same order as the Code.
The Code provides that a board should establish a company's purpose and values as well as its strategy and that its directors should lead by example and promote the desired culture.
More information about how we engage with our stakeholders as part of our Board activities is set out on pages 67 to 69 and how we do so as a Group is summarised on page 3.
My role as Chairman is to lead the Board and be responsible for its overall effectiveness in directing the Company. It is important that each member of the Board is clear about their responsibilities and also that each member of the Board is able to contribute fully to all aspects of the discussions we have as a Board.
The approval of certain Group policies (including some of those listed in the non-financial information statement on pages 59 to 61) is one of the matters reserved to the Board and is one of the ways as a Board we have oversight of longer-term aspects of the Group's operations, including our leadership on sustainability matters and our progress in addressing climate-related issues.
I joined the Board as Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2020 and became Chairman on 3 January 2021, following Gareth Davis' retirement from the Board. Gareth made an enormous contribution to the Group and, as well as being instrumental in the successful development of the business over the last decade, he chaired the Board with consummate skill and always kept a wide range of considerations in clear focus. Alina Kessel joined the Board with effect from 1 May 2020, bringing her international experience and marketing expertise to our discussions. As at 1 May 2021 our eight member Board was made up of three women and five men.
Over the course of the last two years the Board has had a period of structured change, as the succession planning for Non-Executive Directors has led to a phased series of appointments and retirements. For each appointment made, the Board looked to appoint an outstanding candidate, with a diverse range of experience, to maximise Board effectiveness. When we think
about diversity we recognise that diversity can take many forms, including diversity of gender, social and ethnic backgrounds, and of cognitive and personal strengths, and that diversity at Board level and throughout the Company is a valuable strength. We also recognise that the mix of skills needed by Board members will change as the landscape in which the Group operates changes. Therefore, as we consider each new Board appointment, the role specification is not a direct replication of the role of a retiring Board member.
The next external evaluation of the Board and its Committees and how they have contributed to the overall effectiveness of the Group will be undertaken in the autumn of 2021. More information about how the Board has assessed in 2021 its progression in meeting the objectives we set ourselves after the 2020 internal Board evaluation is set out on page 72.
The Board is conscious that all our stakeholders have multiple roles and the past 12 months have been a difficult balancing act for many. One example is our employees who have had to manage home schooling of children while also, as friends or family members, trying to give care and support to others from a distance. As a business too we know that balancing the many, sometimes divergent, often competing, interests of our different stakeholders requires sensitive vigilance. As a Board we understand the importance of making a decision in the moment and at the time when a decision is needed. We also recognise that some commentators might make different judgements.
Each Board pack for each Board meeting includes on the agenda a reminder of each Director's duties under section 172 of the Companies Act, framing our deliberations at each meeting in the context of a reminder that each Director must act in the way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole, while thinking about the likely consequences of any decision in the long term, the interests of the Company's employees, the need to foster the Company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others, the impact of the Company's operations on the community and the environment, the desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct, and the need to act fairly as between the members of the Company.
A principal decision we took as a Board in 2020, that was a high profile example of considering the balance of all these factors, was the decision not to pay a dividend in respect of the financial year 2019/20. Further background to this decision is set out on page 67.
The Board has taken a close interest in our stakeholders' reactions to the publication of our Now and Next sustainability strategy. Our progress to date in realising our strategic goal of leading the way in sustainability is summarised on pages 30 to 33 of this report, with more details being available in our latest Sustainability Report.
Since joining the Board I have been impressed by the way in which the Group has shown agility, adapting to the circumstances of the pandemic-aware world that we all now live in.
As your Chairman I look forward to supporting and challenging the team to continue to show that agility and ability to adapt and evolve to the long-term benefit of all our stakeholders as we realise our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World'.
Chairman
21 June 2021
We use boxes like this throughout the governance section of the Annual Report to highlight why we are telling you the information. We hope that this will help you both find what you are looking for in our report and understand the way we have structured our disclosures to be both compliant with regulation and, we hope, readable.
We use this symbol throughout the governance section of the Annual Report to highlight examples referred to in the section 172 statement on page 15.
This year the governance section of the Annual Report opens by summarising what each Board member contributes to the governance of the Company and its long-term success. The Chairman's introduction to governance puts DS Smith's approach to matters of corporate governance into our DS Smith context. It is followed by a brief summary of our approach to each of the five sections of the Code.
The 2018 UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) published by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and available at www.frc.org.uk asks companies to focus on the application of the principles of good governance in their specific context. In the introduction to the Code the FRC recognises that high-quality reporting on the provisions of the Code may include an explanation of how the spirit of the principles has been applied, which, in some cases, may be by a different route from that suggested in the Code's provisions.
This report outlines how we have applied the Code's main principles and explains where, in three specific instances (provisions 19, 36 and 38), our approach (summarised in the box below) differs from the Code's.
The FRC and investors agree that a company is compliant with the Code if it chooses to depart from a provision of the Code, so long as ample, transparent explanation is given.
Your Board rigorously challenges strategy, assesses performance and balances the interests of all our stakeholders to ensure that every decision we make is of the highest quality. Robust and constructive debate is particularly important when there are no easy answers as we all adjust to the near and longer-term implications of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Your Board and its Directors, both executive and nonexecutive, operate within a clear framework of roles and responsibilities. One of the roles of Non-Executive Directors is to broaden the diversity of viewpoints shared in the boardroom discussion, drawing on the full range of their experience in other industries and other countries. This has been particularly valuable as your Board considers how we can better serve our customers in this time of uncertainty.
Your Board scrutinises the effectiveness of its performance in an annual Board evaluation and evaluates the balance of skills, experience, knowledge and independence of the Directors. That then informs the succession planning process, which also takes into account the contribution made by having a diversity of backgrounds (whether of gender, of social or ethnic backgrounds, or of the less immediately visible cognitive differences). All new Directors receive a tailored induction programme, which builds on their personal experience and ensures that appointments can be made from a wider pool of talent than one limited to only those with previous experience of holding a directorship with a UK listed company.
The background to Gareth Davis having been on the Board for longer than nine years when he retired from the Board in January 2021, although he was Chairman for less than nine, was described in both the 2019 and 2020 Annual Reports.
4 Audit, risk and internal control All your Board's decisions are discussed within the context of the risks involved. Effective risk management, set in the context of a well-structured internal control framework, is central to achieving our strategic objectives, particularly as we balance the sometimes conflicting interests of our stakeholders.
Our remuneration policy, which was approved at the 2020 AGM, is designed to support our long-term strategy and to promote long-term sustainable success. It was developed taking into account wider circumstances as your Board currently understands them and setting those in the context of the longer-term future of DS Smith in this changed world. Each element of remuneration is looked at, both individually and cumulatively.
As described on page 85 in the Remuneration Report, the pension contribution rates for Executive Directors are not, at the date of this report, fully aligned to that available to the workforce, although future alignment has been confirmed. (The Group Chief Executive's pension contribution reduced by 10% in 2020 and will reduce by a further 5% on 1 August 2021 to 15% of annual salary. The Group Finance Director's pension contribution was reduced by 5% in 2020 and will reduce by a further 5% on 1 August 2021 to 10% of annual salary.)
As previously explained on page 93 of the 2020 Remuneration Report, there could, in theory, be a combination of events that might, in the case of a certain type of 'good leaver', mean that the period from grant of long-term share award to release of award might not be five years, as, for any PSP awards which vest following departure that have been granted good leaver treatment, the Remuneration Committee will reduce the two year post-vesting holding period so that it does not extend beyond the second anniversary of departure (provided that the three year vesting period has been completed).
Our remuneration policy is aligned to our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World'. Each year we look afresh at our reward principles and test that they continue to support our values as a Group.
From page 84
s172
s172
The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up a wide range of challenges. Every aspect of the business has been impacted throughout the past year. In response to this the Board has met more regularly than in prior years, adding informal briefing calls, their frequency being responsive to the evolving priorities of the business. The regular scheduled meetings have continued to take place. All these meetings have taken place with the support of technology, a compromise that reduces time spent travelling, but also constrains some of the interaction that in-person meetings facilitate. Nevertheless the scheduled meetings continue to cover all the topics essential to support the regular cycle of annual reporting and corporate planning processes and continue to give opportunity to explore with the management team background to proposals, such as the proposals to begin work on two new greenfield sites, one in Italy and one in Poland (that were
announced in December 2020). In discussing our new greenfield site proposals, one of the principal decisions in 2020/21, the Directors asked for more information about environmental impact assessments done in relation to the potential sites and sought clarification about how having these two new sites would impact the Group's overall carbon footprint. s172
Health and safety is always a priority item on the Board's agenda. Setting the example from the top down is critically important.
Miles Roberts took part this year in our virtual health and safety on-boarding sessions, introducing the programme and then in the second session a month later, reviewing progress on participant commitments made at the first session.
The Code highlights the importance of effective engagement with shareholders and other stakeholders. The Group's key stakeholders and their differing perspectives are identified and taken into account, not only as part of the Board's annual strategy and corporate planning discussions, but also in our project assessments and in other Board conversations. The Board understands that the Group has a role as an employer and as a taxpayer as well as a member of the wider communities in which our sites are based and as a key link in the supply chains through which so many goods pass, and that these roles are broader than the more traditional single role of a corporate entity reporting on its financial results to its shareholders. The balancing of the differing perspectives of all our key stakeholders is a recurrent theme in our Board's conversations.
All discussions, assessments and conversations focus not only on delivering increased value for shareholders, but also assess the impacts of our decisions and strategies on the Group's wider stakeholders. The Board recognises the importance of regular, open and constructive dialogue with shareholders and other stakeholders and this has long been a key aspect of our culture and of our decision-making.
Dialogue with investors continues throughout the year, not only ahead of the AGM. In 2020 DS Smith, like all other businesses, was not able to offer shareholders the opportunity of attending the AGM in person, due to the public health guidance and measures regarding the conduct of general meetings brought in by legislation. Instead we encouraged shareholders to email in their questions and to watch on our website the video of the presentation that our Group Chief Executive gave on the Company's performance and strategy.
The Group's Investor Relations team coordinates ongoing communication with shareholders and analysts and the Board receives regular updates on the views of the Group's shareholders from our internal team and also from the Company's brokers. Celia Baxter, as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, leads the engagement with shareholders when we have remuneration matters to discuss. Rupert Soames, as Senior Independent Director, led the engagement with our shareholders about succession planning for the Chairman's role and Geoff Drabble met a number of shareholders shortly after becoming Chairman.
In respect of the financial year 2019/20 the Company did not pay either an interim or a final dividend. The Board recognises that the dividend is an important component of shareholder returns. In the context of the unprecedented uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by its timing in relation to the 30 April year end of the Company, decisions on the dividend needed to be taken earlier in 2020 than had to be taken by 31 December year end companies and had to be taken at the height of the Covid-19 uncertainty. The Board took the view that it was prudent, despite the Group's strong liquidity profile and resilient trading to April 2020, not to pay the interim dividend in May 2020, nor, when assessing the overall outlook in June 2020, to pay a final dividend for the year ending 30 April 2020. The Board is aware that this difficult decision disappointed shareholders. In considering the appropriate course of action in the context of all the dimensions of the pandemic-fuelled uncertainty, the preferences of shareholders were balanced with those of other stakeholders. By September 2020 the Board was able to signal to investors that it would resume payment of dividends and in December 2020 declared an interim dividend, reflecting the strong demand for packaging, and increasing visibility and confidence over the future. s172
Each year shareholders (and other interested bodies) issue materials concerning their expectations of companies. These are summarised for, and considered by, the Board, which also informs the comments that Board members make on the working drafts of the Annual Report that they review, prior to its final approval and publication.
Our engagement with our workforce is being developed further, making good use of the already well-established European Works Council (EWC) structure.
s172
EWC representatives meet regularly with our Group Chief Executive and Group HR Director to discuss a wide range of topics. While health and safety, Group performance and sustainable employment are always on the agenda for these discussions, this year topics have also included the implementation of our employee charter, IT security and use of CCTV, and the many aspects of adapting to the pandemic, including discussion about measures to contain any spread, the expectations of employees displaying symptoms, travel restrictions and recognising employee contributions.
s172
Members of management continued to attend EWC meetings, held virtually on a platform that enables live interpretation. Again this year an EWC representative joined a meeting of the Remuneration Committee. At that meeting the EWC representative presented to the Remuneration Committee a summary of results and insights provided by the Group-wide employee survey about Sharesave, our employee share plan (as further described on page 86). Celia Baxter, the Chairman of
s172
our Remuneration Committee, has also met with the EWC Executive in 2021 and, building on the dialogue started at their meeting in 2020, she both gave a presentation and answered questions about the main changes to the Directors' remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM and the impact of the pandemic on the Remuneration Committee's deliberations on executive remuneration. Additionally the EWC Executive asked her about how the voting process worked for resolutions at the AGM and about the Group's commitment to diversity at senior levels of management.
The regular schedule of reporting to the Board includes, in relation to our workforce, such matters as reviewing the outcomes from the topic-based, pulse employee engagement surveys and the regular schedule of reporting to the Nomination Committee includes the review of employee talent. All these activities ensure that the voice of our workforce is heard regularly in the boardroom and provides richer context for the Board's decision-making.
The business relationships with our suppliers, customers and other stakeholders, such as regulators and non-governmental organisations, are matters which the Group Chief Executive covers in his regular reports to the Board. As Group Chief Executive, Miles Roberts is responsible for the Group's overall ESG performance and its clear objectives at the centre of our business model. The Board recognises the crucial importance of delivering on our sustainability ambitions, helping reduce waste and protect natural resources as our designers realise the opportunities within the circular economy by applying our Circular Design Principles. One of the challenges in this area can be some customers' shorter-term goals. The Board appreciates that there may be occasions when the longer-term, more sustainable approach may, in the shorter term, have a financial impact.
s172 The Board receives regular updates from the Group procurement function which has first-line responsibility for relationships with suppliers. In the past year the Board has discussed the carbon implications of the Group's sources of energy and how supply planning takes account of future developments in this area.
Complementing the regular briefings from operational and functional management about Group-specific matters (such as reports from our Corporate Affairs Director on progress made during the year on both sustainability and our programme of wider engagement in the community and the report to each Board meeting on health and safety), the Board also has a programme of briefings from the Group's external advisers on a range of topics. This enables current and future plans to be set in the wider context of the broader environment. This covers not just topics currently visible, but emerging areas of interest and concern across a diverse range of fields.
s172 One of the actions from the 2020 Board evaluation was to change the frequency of Board discussions on topics such as relationships with customers and suppliers and our continuing engagement with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This has increased in 2020/21. For example, this year the Board heard from the head of our sales, marketing and innovation (SMI) function who takes overall responsibility for relationships with our packaging customers, but this remains an area where the Board recognises that more could be done.
Our engagement with the local communities of which our sites and employees are a part has been a developing area of focus in recent years. A key target in our Now and Next sustainability strategy is to engage in community programmes at all our sites that have more than 50 employees, which we have again achieved in 2020/21. These programmes are guided by our Purpose and focus on supporting the improvement and protection of the environment and inspiring and educating. In addition this year there have been a number of one-off donations, such as 10,000 multipurpose auxiliary bedside tables made from corrugated cardboard donated by our Madrid plant to a field hospital in Spain and 100,000 cardboard plane and helicopter toy models
distributed in France to children confined to their homes during their school holidays. As part of the regular cycle of briefings the Board has been updated on these and such community programmes as the eco-classroom, featuring a rainwater collection system, solar panels and an organic garden in
a primary school in Hungary, and the development of the biodiversity programmes at each of our paper mills.
Board site visits are an important way in which Board members can engage with our employees and understand more about our customers and suppliers.
While travelling to attend a physical meeting as a Board, in the way that the Board did in October 2019 when it visited our kraft paper mill in Viana, Portugal, was not possible this year, Alina Kessel and Geoff Drabble, as part of their induction programme, were taken
on a virtual tour of the Livingston facility by the UK Packaging management team. In addition to a full review of the site, the tour included updates and discussions about current performance projects at the site and the measures in place to manage health and safety risks, including those related to Covid-19. s172
Non-Executive Directors are encouraged, when they can, to visit sites individually, as Celia Baxter, David Robbie and Rupert Soames were able to do as part of their induction programmes when they first joined the Board. Such visits enable Directors individually to assess in more detail what our Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World' looks like at a local, site level and how our values (see page 2) underpin the delivery of our Purpose through our strategic goals.
At each Board meeting health and safety is reported on, including the total number of near misses and safety observations and the number per employee. These are seen as indicators of employee engagement in observing and reporting positive behaviour and identifying health and safety risks. The level of engagement is seen as a reflection of the culture and health and safety leadership at a site. This financial year the total number has increased by 25 per cent with the engagement rate showing a similar improvement. On a site visit the impact of that employee engagement with all aspects of health and safety can be seen in action.
The regulatory requirement is to include in the Strategic Report a statement about the Directors' compliance with section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 concerning taking into account the interests of a variety of stakeholders. This is on page 15. What that statement means in practice is also illustrated in this part of the report, which also links to the topics covered in section 1 of the Code (board leadership and company purpose). Here we also explain how we have applied aspects of Code principles A to E and how we have put the related provisions of the Code into practice.
More detail about how we realise the potential of our people by engaging with our wider workforce (a term, as described below, that is wider than the term employees, who are those employed directly by the Group under contracts of service) wherever they are based (not just those based in the UK) is set out on pages 24 to 29 of the Strategic Report.
More detail about how we engage with our customers and the importance of sustainability throughout our supply chain is set out on pages 22 and 23 and 30 to 33 of the Strategic Report.
Throughout the uncertain times of Covid-19 the safety and wellbeing of our people has been our first priority, while recognising our responsibility to support our customers as they keep essential goods such as food and pharmaceuticals moving. All our decisions have been taken in that context.
In addition to the regulatory requirement to include a statement about section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 in the Strategic Report, there is also a requirement to make a statement about the Company's engagement with the wider UK workforce and with suppliers and customers. The methods of engagement in the UK and across the wider workforce are broadly the same, so we have cross-referenced, not repeated, our disclosures on these matters.
In this report we sometimes report on 'employees' and sometimes on 'workforce'. This is because sometimes the regulatory requirements specifically ask us to report on matters relating to 'employees' (those who are employed directly by the Group under contracts of service). When we use the term 'workforce' we are including all those who work for the Group, including those sub-contracted to work for the Group.
The Board is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Group and for ensuring leadership within a framework of effective controls. The key roles of the Board are:
Builds positive relationships with all the Group's stakeholders.
Providing entrepreneurial leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enables risk to be assessed and managed
Section 2 (division of responsibilities) of the Code sets out matters relating to independence of Directors and the structure of the Board and its Committees. We cover these items (including the application of aspects of Code principles F to I) in this part of the report and in the Nomination Committee Report that follows, where we also have more information about the independence of Directors.
| Board | Nomination Committee |
Audit Committee |
Remuneration Committee |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of meetings in 2020/21 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Executive Directors | ||||
| Miles Roberts | 7/7 | 4/4 | n/a | n/a |
| Adrian Marsh | 7/7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Non-Executive Directors | ||||
| Geoff Drabble – joined the Board on 1 September 2020 | 6/6 | 3/3 | n/a | 6/6 |
| Gareth Davis – retired from the Board on 3 January 2021 | 4/4 | 3/3 | n/a | 5/5 |
| Celia Baxter | 7/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 8/8 |
| Chris Britton – retired from the Board on 8 September 2020 | 1/1 | 2/2 | 1/1 | 3/3 |
| Alina Kessel | 7/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 8/8 |
| David Robbie | 7/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 8/8 |
| Louise Smalley | 7/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 8/8 |
| Rupert Soames | 7/7 | 4/4 | 4/4 | 8/8 |
In addition there were a number of informal briefing calls that the Chairman and Group Chief Executive held with the Board and other ad hoc Board meetings were held to discuss business matters that the Chairman and Group Chief Executive decided should be considered by the Board. Due to the public health
guidance and measures regarding the conduct of general meetings brought in by legislation, the full Board, like other shareholders, were not able to attend the AGM in 2020 in person, which was attended by the Chairman and the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary.
For more information see page 78
For more information see page 73
For more information see page 84
In addition to the three principal Committees of the Board there are four further standing sub-committees of the Board.
strategic direction of business in the US, together with any associated risks or opportunities in the business.
which facilitates efficient operational management decision-making in relation to day-to-day financing and administrative matters.
Share Schemes Committee which facilitates administrative matters in relation to the Group's share schemes.
Three management committees, chaired by the Group Chief Executive, and the Group Compliance Committee also support the work of the Board and its principal Committees.
Oversees the management processes, targets and strategies designed to manage health and safety and environmental and sustainability risks and opportunities, to ensure compliance with the Group's health and safety and environmental and sustainability responsibilities and commitments.
Considers Group-wide initiatives and priorities. Reviews the implementation of operational plans. Reviews changes to policies and procedures and facilitates the discussion of the development of new projects.
Plans the business strategy implementation as approved by the Board and set out by the annual Corporate Plan process. The Corporate Plan is used to develop the Group's strategy, based on the set strategic direction. The Corporate Plan's focus is primarily on strategic actions, supported by high level financial information. It covers a three-year time horizon and is reviewed annually by the Board.
Meets quarterly
Oversees compliance with all legal, regulatory and organisational requirements including the effective interface between the financial, legal, risk and internal audit functions, reporting back to both the Group Operating Committee and the Audit Committee.
Formal evaluation is a valuable tool for improvement. It can be used iteratively as part of a structured process to build, year by year, on the assessments of prior years. It can help inform decisions about succession planning for the Board and senior management and therefore the composition of the Board. As well as giving a structured opportunity to consider areas for potential future development, a formal evaluation is an opportunity to think consciously about what has worked well and how to maintain that in the coming year, as well as what has been less effective and how that might be changed. When considering the timing of the 2021 external Board evaluation the Board decided that it should be undertaken in October 2021 after Geoff Drabble has spent a preliminary period in the Chairman's role, including the closing of the 2020/21 financial year end. It is also hoped that the evaluation can by October be carried out in person, rather than remotely through video technologies, giving a richer opportunity for insight and feedback from the external evaluator.
Following on from the internal evaluation undertaken in 2019/20, for its 2020/21 Board evaluation and performance review the Board revisited the action plan that had been agreed as part of the 2019/20 evaluation, looked at how fully it had addressed those actions, considered whether those actions needed to be amended or added to and also looked generally at the performance and effectiveness of the Board and its Committees.
As with every high performing board, the Directors will continue to watch for areas of improvement, not just when Board evaluation is a formal agenda item at a Board meeting.
More details about succession planning are set out in the Nomination Committee Report, later in this Report. More details about the current composition of the Board are set out in the biographies of the Directors on pages 62 and 63. Geoff Drabble joined the Board with effect from 1 September 2020. Chris Britton retired from the Board on 8 September 2020 and Gareth Davis retired from the Board with effect from 3 January 2021. All the other Directors held office throughout the year under review.
This section and the Nomination Committee Report that follows explain how we have applied aspects of Code principles J to L in section 3 (composition, succession and evaluation) and how we have put the provisions of that section of the Code into practice.
"A key objective is to make sure the Board has individuals with the necessary range of skills and knowledge and diversity of experiences to lead the Company."
Geoff Drabble, Chairman of Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee supports the Board in executive and non-executive succession planning. Our principal objectives as a Nomination Committee are:
As a Committee we have delegated authority from the Board to focus on Board and Committee composition and succession planning. In discharging those key responsibilities in relation to succession planning we also consider ways to:
As Chairman of this Committee, I report to the Board on the outcome of our meetings.
Alina Kessel joined the Board in May 2020 and I joined in September 2020. I then took on the role of Chairman when Gareth Davis retired from the Board in January 2021. Alina and I each bring our own perspectives and experience to these roles and look forward to building on the contributions of our predecessors.
| Member | Since |
|---|---|
| Geoff Drabble (Chairman since 3 January 2021) | 2020 |
| Celia Baxter | 2019 |
| Alina Kessel | 2020 |
| Miles Roberts | 2010 |
| David Robbie | 2019 |
| Louise Smalley | 2014 |
| Rupert Soames | 2019 |
Chris Britton retired from the Board and its Committees on 8 September 2020 and Gareth Davis retired from the Board and its Committees on 3 January 2021.
During the year, the Committee held four formal meetings and there were regular updates between formal meetings and a number of ad hoc briefings. Details of individual Directors' attendance can be found on page 70. The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.
Over the course of the last two years the Board has had a period of structured change, as the succession planning for Non-Executive Directors has led to a phased series of appointments and retirements. The process for the appointments of Alina Kessel and myself as new Non-Executive Directors began with inviting a number of recruitment firms to participate in a selection process, focusing on a series of key questions in order to identify the appropriate consultants to support our search. Inzito were selected in that process.
A role specification was agreed and provided to Inzito, who then put forward a shortlist of candidates for review by the Committee. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a number of the Executive and Non-Executive Directors and the Committee made a recommendation to the Board. Rupert Soames chaired those meetings when the recruitment of a new Chairman was being considered and Gareth Davis was not involved in the process of the selection or appointment. When making decisions on new appointments, Board members consider the skills, experience and knowledge already represented on the Board and the benefits of diversity, in all its forms, including of gender, ethnicity and life experience. A similar process will be followed for the next recruitment of a Non-Executive Director to the Board.
Apart from assisting with recruitment, Inzito has no other connection to the Company. Inzito has no connection with any individual Directors.
One of the actions arising from the 2020 Board evaluation was to understand better the reasons for the length of time it had been taking to recruit to senior roles and how the process might be improved. A new Group HR Director joined in 2020 and an improvement of those processes is now underway.
The Committee keeps under regular review succession planning at the Executive Director level and supports succession planning at senior management levels. During 2018/19 the Nomination Committee reviewed the contingency plan for unexpected departures and the Group Chief Executive's succession plan. At our March 2021 meeting the Committee looked again at those plans (which contemplate the role being filled by either an internal or external candidate) and considered succession candidates and emergency cover candidates for each member of the General Operating Committee, including the Group Finance Director. The Group HR Director has also briefed the Committee on the talent review and calibration undertaken in relation to the Group's top management positions that report in to members of the General Operating Committee, as well as the associated leadership development programme being held at Oxford's Saïd Business School.
Upon appointment to the Board, Directors undertake an induction programme, receiving a broad range of information about the Group tailored to their previous experience. This includes information on the operational and sustainability performance and business of the Group and details of Group strategy, corporate governance and Board procedures. Alina Kessel and I have both undertaken a tailored induction programme, which included a virtual tour of the Livingston facility. Alina's programme was tailored to this being her first role on the board of a publicly listed company, so it included an externally-run course specifically designed for those new to such roles.
Assisted by the Group Company Secretary, I have responsibility for Directors' induction programmes, and also for the Board's training and professional development. Directors have been given training and presentations during the course of the year to keep their knowledge current and enhance their experience. This has included topics such as cyber security and developments in corporate governance generally and in particular on stakeholders' expectations on remuneration reporting.
Directors will continue to receive regular training updates from appropriate internal and external specialists on governance issues, financial and reporting standards, digital development, cyber security and sustainability. In addition, Directors are fully aware of their own responsibility for identifying and satisfying their own specific training requirements.
Under the Code the reasons for the Board permitting its members to enter into significant new external appointments should be explained in the Annual Report. In November 2020 David Robbie was appointed as a non-executive director of easyJet plc, which the Board noted, when approving his appointment, was his third directorship in his portfolio of listed company appointments. As explained in the 2020 Annual Report, as part of the process of appointing Alina Kessel to the Board, the value of her experience of living, as well as working, in a variety of countries, along with her marketing and communication experience which is kept current in her senior role with WPP, was noted. In relation to my appointment, the Committee noted the value of my range of extensive experience, particularly internationally, while also giving careful consideration to the time commitments required by these other roles.
The experience gained in all these external roles held by our Board members broadens and deepens the knowledge and experience of the Directors, which in turn benefits the Company.
DS Smith acknowledges the importance of diversity of thought, skills and experience to the effective functioning of the Board and the wider organisation. This diversity may arise from any number of sources, including differences in age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, cultural background and religious belief. Our Directors have experience of a wide range of industries and backgrounds, as well as complex organisations with a global reach.
The Board diversity and inclusion policy (most recently reviewed by the Board in March 2021) is a policy which acknowledges the importance of diversity and includes an explicit requirement to take into account diversity when considering appointments to the Board. The Board recognises that some challenges in achieving diversity arise from social contexts with impacts not limited to the DS Smith Group, but the Board remains committed to ensuring that all have an equal chance of developing their careers within our business. (See pages 26 and 27 for more about our programmes to develop diverse leadership talent; from whom might be drawn a future generation of non-executive directors.)
As at 1 May 2021 our eight member Board was made up of three women and five men, meeting the Hampton-Alexander Review's target of one-third of Board members being women. We are very conscious of the Parker Review recommendation that each FTSE 100 board should have at least one director from an ethnic minority background by 2021 and are actively engaged currently in running such a recruitment process.
Our most recently published UK gender pay gap report is available on our website. We know that we have a relative lack of women in senior management positions and year by year the percentage of women in the roles that are defined as senior management roles will fluctuate (see page 29 for details), but the trend in recent years has been towards a better gender balance.
Biographical details of each Director, including their other directorships, their skills and experience, can be found on pages 62 and 63.
The Nomination Committee makes an assessment each year of the criteria set out in the Code concerning independence and the Committee also reviews the time commitment of Non-Executive Directors to assess whether each has sufficient time to discharge their duties. The Committee confirms that all the Non-Executive Directors are independent and each has sufficient time to discharge their duties. The Committee also considered Geoff Drabble to be independent on his appointment to the Board.
The Nomination Committee this year considered the then current term of appointment to the Board of Louise Smalley. Board members reviewed her commitment and contribution to the Board and its Committees, as well as the balance of her skills, knowledge and experience with those of the other Directors and it was agreed that her letter of appointment should be renewed for a further year. (Directors do not participate in any debate or decision about their own re-appointment.) The expiry date of the current term of each of the Non-Executive Directors is set out on page 102.
Information about this year's evaluation of the Board and its Committees can be found on page 72.
As well as the regular cycle of matters that the Committee schedules for consideration each year, we are planning over the next 12 months to:
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
21 June 2021
Along with overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining the Group's systems of risk management and internal control (including financial, operational and compliance controls), the Board also retains ultimate accountability for the effectiveness of the systems and processes implemented. The Board confirms it has conducted an annual review of the overall effectiveness of the Group's system of internal controls and risk management procedures implemented during the year and up to the date of approval of this Annual Report.
The systems and processes implemented are designed to identify, manage and, where possible, eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives; and to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. There is an established and ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group. This includes a process of self-certification by senior divisional management, confirming that their divisions have complied with Group policies and procedures and reporting any significant control weaknesses identified during the past year. In addition, it includes reviewing the results of the work of the Group's Internal Audit function and Group governance and compliance teams and the adherence to the risk identification and management processes identified above.
These procedures have continued to be in place throughout the year and up to the date of approval of this Annual Report.
The Board also has procedures in place to ensure that its powers to authorise and manage conflicts are operated effectively. These procedures were followed throughout the year and up to the date of approval of this Annual Report.
Our risk management framework and processes were tested in an unprecedented way during 2020 by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Management and employees responded well, tailoring and redesigning certain risk mitigation remedies and preventative measures to ensure that the principal risks and uncertainties the Group faces continued to be managed effectively. The Audit Committee has kept up to date with these developments throughout the year and has noted the way in which our divisions and Group functions were able to demonstrate their resilience, with revised risk mitigation remedies being integrated into the existing support systems.
With a larger number of previously office-based employees continuing to work remotely in the past year, the Group has been looking for ways to improve the assessment and management of its key risks, despite in-person meetings and the debate opportunities they provide, not being possible. The Group Compliance Committee has continued to meet regularly. Recent topics have included a specific review of business continuity in the light of the Group's experience in the Covid-19 pandemic. This year the Group's management standards were updated and, as part of those revisions, risk management has been explicitly highlighted as one of the foundational elements of these refreshed management standards.
The Board remains encouraged by the work undertaken across the Group with investment being made in financial, operational and reputational risk management to ensure effort is well directed and with the right level of intensity, enabling the Group to remain in a strong position to respond rapidly to those risks that do emerge.
Further details on the Group's risk management and mitigation approach for each principal risk, including its emerging risks reporting, are set out in the principal risks section on pages 47 to 55, which also includes the Group's viability statement on page 49. Emerging risks are reported on as part of the risk management reviews. Integrating them into the reporting processes supports the Board in maintaining a clear overview, taking account of the experiences gained from Covid-19, the increasing disclosure requirements in relation to ESG risks and the effect of rapidly changing external environments.
The Board determines the objectives and broad policies of the Group and has a set schedule of matters which are required to be brought to it for decision. Overall management of the Group's risk appetite, its tolerance to risk and discussion of key aspects of execution of the Group's strategy remain the responsibility of the Board. The Board has delegated to the Audit Committee the responsibility for establishing a system of internal controls appropriate to the business environments in which the Group operates. Key elements of this system include:
• Communicating key corporate values through our Code of Conduct and associated policies to all employees to ensure relevant staff are properly equipped to exercise management oversight and control.
The framework of internal control has continued to operate throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Group's Internal Audit function undertakes regular reviews of the operations of standalone entities, functions and Group processes in accordance with a previously agreed audit plan, including an assessment of implemented systems of internal control. The Internal Auditor then makes recommendations on potential control process improvements and will conduct supplementary reviews to ensure that management implements the recommendations made. During the year, Internal Audit's activities were supported and complemented by Group governance and compliance teams.
The Internal Audit plan together with the work plan of the Group governance and compliance teams is determined on a
Group Compliance Committee reviews a selection of Group function and/or divisional risks including 'deep dive' risk investigation
Internal Audit reviews their programme and key control risks
management effectiveness including go forward actions to implement
Group Risk provides feedback to divisions and Group functions on risk assessments
Divisions update risk assessments and integrate into their corporate plans
Group Compliance Committee reviews a selection of Group function and/or divisional risks
Group Strategy Committee undertakes an assessment of the principal and emerging risks
Internal Audit reviews their programme and key control risks
reviews and approves completed Internal Audit reports and reviews status of programme – this included in 2020 a deep dive into three of our principal risks
risk assessment basis and is reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee.
Findings from Internal Audit and Group governance and compliance teams are reported to Group and divisional business management as well as to the Audit Committee.
The Company elected to bring the Internal Audit function in-house with effect from 1 May 2021 and appointed a Head of Internal Audit during the 2020/21 financial year. The outsourced arrangements with KPMG ceased with effect from 1 May 2021. Professional firms will continue to provide co-source support as required. The new function will provide assurance separately from the Group governance and compliance teams, and is intended to extend the coverage of independent governance and compliance assurance for the Group. Also from 1 May 2021, the governance and compliance team has become a centrally-led function, as opposed to regionally and divisionally based. It will continue to maintain and develop the internal control framework, provide support and training to the business in complying with that framework and manage compliance with the emerging requirements from the recent UK government consultation on
Internal Audit updates review of Internal Audit programme and key control risks
Board reviews principal risks and uncertainties, risk appetite and tolerance, and business viability as part of Corporate Plan discussions
Group functions, divisions and regions produce year-end review of principal and business risks
undertakes the year-end assessment of Internal Audit needs
Committee reviews a selection of Group function and/or divisional risks including in 2021 a specific review of business continuity
reviews Group and divisional risk reports, annual Internal Audit needs assessment, including audit plans and recommendations
This section explains how we have applied aspects of Code principles M, N and O in section 4 (audit, risk and internal control) of the Code and how we have put the provisions of that section into practice, firstly
through matters that come before the full Board and secondly through the detailed work of the Audit Committee which is reported on in the Audit Committee Report that follows.
"The Group's established procedures enabled the financial reporting process to continue efficiently during the year, despite the many challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic."
David Robbie, Chairman of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee supports the Board in its oversight of the control framework across the Group. Our principal objectives as an Audit Committee are:
I am pleased to report that the Group's established procedures and systems to identify, mitigate and manage risks enabled the financial reporting process to continue uninterrupted during the year, despite the many challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. The finance team delivered an impressive volume of work in difficult times and I would like to thank them for their sustained commitment.
The Audit Committee's role is pivotal in ensuring the robustness of the Group's risk management activities and internal control environment, thereby ensuring the integrity of the financial reporting process. As Chairman of the Audit Committee I make myself available at the Company's annual general meeting (AGM) to answer any shareholder questions on the Committee's remit.
| Member | Since |
|---|---|
| David Robbie (Chairman) | 2019 |
| Celia Baxter | 2019 |
| Alina Kessel | 2020 |
| Louise Smalley | 2014 |
| Rupert Soames | 2019 |
The Audit Committee met on four occasions during the year, with meetings scheduled to align with the Group's external financial reporting obligations. Details of individual Directors' attendance can be found on page 70. As and when required, the Audit Committee members and I were joined by the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director, the Group Financial Controller and representatives from the external Auditor and Internal Audit for parts of these meetings, by invitation. The external Auditor was not present at meetings where their performance and/or remuneration was discussed. The Audit Committee also met privately with the external Auditor as appropriate.
The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.
The Board is satisfied that I, as Chairman of the Committee, and the other members of the Audit Committee have both current and relevant financial experience (as set out on pages 62 and 63) and that the Audit Committee, as a whole, has competence relevant to the sector (namely manufacturing) in which the Company operates.
In addition to the scheduled Committee meetings, I, as Chairman of the Audit Committee, held separate individual meetings during the year with representatives from Internal Audit, the Group Finance Director and his team and the external Auditor.
The Audit Committee received sufficient, reliable and timely information from management to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities.
Risk management, internal control and compliance enhancements
Quality of earnings
Financial commitments and liabilities
Update on M&A-related activity
Taxation matters, including review of strategy and risks
Internal Audit status update, in-house governance compliance and corporate governance update
In fulfilling the Committee's oversight of the risk management and control environment, a number of key activities are undertaken during the year, including regular meetings with senior management.
The Audit Committee considered the Group's risk management activities during the year (with specific discussions of such topics as paper price volatility, regulation and governance, packaging product development risks, business continuity and emerging risk developments). The Audit Committee continued its regular review of risk reporting to ensure that the balance between risk and opportunity was in keeping with the Group's risk appetite and tolerance. The Audit Committee is satisfied that the Group's executive compensation arrangements do not prejudice robust controls and good stewardship.
The Committee approved the Group's annual Internal Audit plan, which was primarily risk-based, focusing on the assurance of core processes and projects, as well as overseeing internal compliance activities. During the year, the Committee received regular reports summarising findings from the Internal Audit reviews performed, action plans to address any areas highlighted for improvement and additional activity review summaries from internal compliance teams. An ongoing review of the effectiveness of the Internal Audit function is performed by the Committee, focusing on the content and delivery of the regularly-received reviews, action plans and activity summaries. This, along with the annual review and evaluation of the performance of the Internal Audit function, enabled the Committee to remain satisfied that the quality, experience and expertise of the function is appropriate for the business. Owing to the strong capabilities of our governance and compliance team, which have developed with the support of the KPMG LLP-led Internal Audit function, the Company has elected to return to an in-house Internal Audit model from 1 May 2021 to provide independent assurance. We would like to thank KPMG LLP for their service and insightful reviews provided during a period of significant growth and change for the Group.
The expanded internal control framework developed during the 2019/20 financial year has been rolled out as intended, complemented with comprehensive training.
A key element of the Committee's oversight role is to challenge management and test the validity of any critical assumptions, never more so than in times of uncertainty. In 2020/21, building on its work in 2019/20, the Committee has again focused on debating cyber risks generally, including those present in operational technology. In light of Covid-19 and in common with other businesses, the imperative of encouraging an even wider range of scenarios than usual to be developed to enhance the supporting evidence in relation to the viability statement and going concern basis of accounting in the 2020 Annual Report was recognised and acted upon. Other discussions have probed the implications of the number of employees working from home, or other unaccustomed locations, due to Covid-19; the degree to which a strength, if over developed, could become a weakness; and the level of engagement at all levels of the Group with the risk management processes.
The Committee receives a separate report on matters raised through 'Speak Up!', the Group's confidential reporting channel, and any related investigations. The Code specifies that reports arising from such confidential reporting channels should either be reviewed by the Board or an explanation given. All Board members attend that part of the Audit Committee meeting when 'Speak Up!' and any related investigations are reported on. This means that representatives from both Internal Audit and the external Auditor (who attend the Audit Committee meetings but not Board meetings) can contribute their perspectives, which is a valuable part of the review process. Internal Audit are also able to provide specialist support where such assurance is considered necessary. Following consultation with the EWC, in March 2021 the Board reviewed and approved a revised 'Speak Up!' policy, updated to reflect recent legislative developments. Board members during that review debated the tensions inherent in having a comprehensive policy that by its length might be less accessible than the highly visual and simplified posters that have recently been refreshed.
The Code requires the Board to confirm that the Annual Report presents a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Group's performance, business model and strategy. This is an important area of focus for the Committee. At the request of the Board, the Committee undertook procedures to advise the Board on this. Committee members gave input at various stages during the planning and drafting process, as well as taking the opportunity to review the Annual Report as a whole and discuss, prior to the June Audit Committee meetings, any areas requiring additional clarity or better balance in the messaging.
| Issue | Review and conclusion |
|---|---|
| Classifications and presentation of adjusting items |
The Committee considered the application of the Group's accounting policies, principles and disclosures in the financial statements that relate to critical accounting estimates and judgements, and challenged the underlying assumptions applied in areas including provisions (such as litigation and restructuring) and adjusting items . |
| Continued scrutiny over the appropriateness and application of the adjusting items policy was applied during the year, in particular around the continued costs incurred to deliver programmes to optimise the operational footprint. Such items include acquisition costs, integration costs, impairments and gains or losses on business disposals, which are classified as adjusting items because of their nature, incidence or size. The Directors have considered the ongoing regulator focus on Alternative Performance Measures but believe that identification and separate classification of these items assists in enhancing the understanding of the trading and financial results of the Group. |
|
| The Audit Committee has reviewed the appropriateness of the income and costs both included in and excluded from adjusting items by challenging and seeking explanations from management. The Committee reviewed reports on the items provided by management and the external Auditor. This item is a recurring agenda item in all Audit Committee meetings. |
|
| The Audit Committee is satisfied that the resulting presentation and disclosure of all accounting policies and principles is appropriate. |
|
| Taxation | Taxation remains a key area of focus for the Committee, due to the continued level of fiscal authority activity, ongoing tax enquiries and disputes, and the Group's M&A activity. The Group is exposed to differing tax regimes and risks which affect both the carrying values of tax balances (including deferred tax) and the resultant income statement charges. The Audit Committee reviewed the tax charge for the half year and the full year, including the underlying tax charge, the appropriateness of and movement in tax provisions recognised and the risks associated with them. The Audit Committee is satisfied that the amounts recognised and the disclosure provided are appropriate. |
As a Committee we have delegated authority from the Board to focus on the following key responsibilities:
In November 2020, the FRC issued their annual advice letter to Audit Committee Chairs and Finance Directors in advance of the 2020/21 reporting period. Not surprisingly, the presentation of financial information in a Covid-19 environment was a key item in this year's letter. Guidance provided by the FRC subsequent to the preparation of the 2019/20 Annual Report was reviewed against the disclosures made in the prior year's Annual Report and considered in the preparation of the current year's Annual Report. Other matters raised by the FRC included the impact of Brexit on company-specific risks and uncertainties and the section 172 statement and reporting. All matters raised have been reviewed and appropriate disclosure updates reflected, where required.
In order to help the Committee continue to meet its responsibilities, Committee meetings include regular corporate governance updates and briefings from external advisers, such as cyber specialists, or from members of senior management. At its briefing session in October 2020, the Committee considered what might be the next steps taken in response to the recommendations in the Brydon Review, the CMA report and the Kingman Review and in April 2021 the Committee was briefed on the UK government's March 2021 consultation paper calling for feedback on a number of questions in these areas. The Committee reviewed its effectiveness as part of the wider Board's review of its effectiveness, as described on page 72.
In addition to the external Auditor confirming their independence, and objectivity, the Audit Committee also evaluates and monitors their effectiveness through a review of the qualifications, expertise and resources of the engagement team. This is conducted through direct assessment and recurring activities. As part of the current assessment of effectiveness, the Audit Committee has taken into consideration the guidance issued by the FRC. Based on evidence from management, the external Auditor and, as appropriate, external sources together with its own experience, the Audit Committee assessed the mindset and culture, skills, character and knowledge, quality control and judgement of the Auditor. The assessment considered the degree of challenge to management, the issues identified and the quality of explanations. The Audit Committee recognises that the quality of an audit is paramount. Particular note was taken of the current year audit work, considered against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has presented practical process challenges and required enhanced audit requirements. The Committee is satisfied with the effectiveness of the Auditor and that the current year audit was one of high quality.
The quality of the audit is also assessed by the Committee, informed by discussion of each post-audit review.
Separate to the meetings of the Audit Committee, I meet regularly with the lead external Audit engagement partner, as do other individual members of the Committee.
In December 2019, an update to the May 2015 Audit Committee Practice Aid on Audit Quality was published by the FRC. The update contained significant changes in respect of the external audit tendering process as well as refined guidance on the assessment of auditor effectiveness. Our approach to auditor effectiveness complies with this guidance.
In order to ensure the independence and objectivity of the external Auditor, the Audit Committee maintains and regularly reviews the Auditor Independence policy which covers non-audit services which may be provided by the external Auditor, and permitted fees.
The Group has a policy on the supply of non-audit services by the external Auditor, which was most recently updated in April 2020. The policy prohibits certain categories of work in accordance with guidance such as the FRC Ethical Standard. It specifies that the Group should not employ the external Auditor to provide non-audit services where either the nature of the work or the extent of such services might impair their independence or objectivity. The external Auditor is permitted to undertake some non-audit services under the Group's policy, providing it has the skill, competence, integrity and appropriate independence safeguards in place to carry out the work in the best interests of the Group, for example, permissible reporting accountant work associated with significant acquisitions. All proposed permitted non-audit services are subject to the prior approval of the Audit Committee.
Non-audit services and fees are reported to the Audit Committee twice each year. During 2020/21, total non-audit fees paid to the external Auditor of £0.4 million were 9 per cent of the annual Group audit fee (2019/20: £0.3 million: 8 per cent): see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. In addition, £9.4 million was paid to other accounting firms for non-audit work, including £0.7 million for work relating to Internal Audit.
The EU Audit Regulation (Retained Legislation) and the FRC's revised Ethical Standard mean that, with effect from the Group's 2020/21 year, a cap on the ratio of non-audit fees to audit fees paid to the external Auditor of 70 per cent applies, which will further restrict the non-audit services permitted.
Annually, the Audit Committee receives written confirmation from the external Auditor of the following:
The external Auditor also confirmed that no non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Revised Ethical Standard were provided to the Group or parent Company.
On the basis of the Committee's own review, approval requirements in the non-audit services policy, and the external Auditor's confirmations, the Audit Committee is satisfied with the external Auditor's independence and effectiveness.
External audit fee negotiations are approved by the Audit Committee each year. There are no contractual restrictions on the Group in regard to the current external Auditor's appointment.
Deloitte LLP were first appointed as external Auditor to the Group in 2006. Nicola Mitchell became the lead audit partner for the
2018/19 year end, with her five year rotation to end with the 2022/23 audit.
Pursuant to the terms of the Statutory Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of Competitive Tender Process and Audit Committee Responsibilities) Order 2014 (Competition & Markets Authority Order), which is now in force, the Audit Committee is solely responsible for negotiating and agreeing the external Auditor's fee, the scope of the statutory audit and initiating and supervising any competitive tender process for the external audit. When a tender is undertaken, the Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board as to the external Auditor's appointment. The Committee's policy is that the role of external Auditor will be put out to tender at least every ten years in line with the applicable rules. Deloitte has been the external Auditor following the tender process in 2013/14. Mindful of the constraints within the audit market, the Committee decided to put the external audit out to tender a year earlier than the ten-year limit would require. The tender process was conducted in accordance with the applicable legal requirements and followed the relevant FRC guidance. At its June 2021 meeting the Committee recommended to the Board that Ernst & Young LLP be appointed external Auditor with effect from the 2022/23 audit.
The Audit Committee confirms that the Company has complied with the provisions of the Competition & Markets Authority Order with regards to external audit tendering and audit responsibilities throughout its financial year ended 30 April 2021.
As well as the regular cycle of matters that the Committee schedules for consideration each year, we are planning over the next 12 months to:
Chairman of Audit Committee
21 June 2021
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Directors' Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 April 2021, which sets out our implementation of the remuneration policy that was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September 2020.
As usual, my letter on pages 84 to 86, the summary on pages 87 and 88 and the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 94 to 107 will also be presented for approval by an advisory vote at our AGM in September 2021.
Our purpose as a Remuneration Committee is to develop a reward package that supports our vision and strategy as a Group and to ensure the rewards are performance-based and encourage long-term shareholder value creation. In the past 12 months many things have changed in the world around us, but the Group's strategic focus continues to be on being a leader in sustainable fibre-based packaging, with a corporate Purpose of 'Redefining Packaging for a Changing World'. All regions in which the Group operates were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but all our sites remained operational as essential suppliers to critical supply chains. We continued to deliver to our customers, to develop new and improved ways of meeting their needs (for example our new web-based business, ePack) and to develop innovative sustainable solutions. All these factors drive the Group's ongoing profitability and cash flow, which are the current performance measures for our incentive plans.
The full financial year of 2020/21 has been impacted by Covid-19 and this has been a year unlike any other in our lifetimes, but in these uncertain times we have worked in tandem with governments to ensure that our factories could remain open and continue to keep goods moving, including vital supplies like medicines and food. Putting the safety and wellbeing of our
workforce as our first priority has enabled us to support our customers and their supply chains and we are proud of what our employees have delivered for our customers in these difficult times.
You can read about the achievements of our business during 2020/21 in more detail in the Strategic Report starting on page 1. Highlights for the 2020/21 financial year include:
In respect of the variable pay elements linked to the 2020/21 financial year, the Committee has decided that the Executive Directors will receive 98% of the maximum annual bonus opportunity. Further details are set out below and on pages 96 and 97.
Unfortunately, the performance share plan (PSP) award made in 2018 which was due to vest in June 2021 based on the three year average earnings per share (EPS) and return on average capital employed (ROACE) performance between 2018/19 and 2020/21 and the three year cumulative relative total shareholder return (TSR) performance, did not meet the threshold targets for the two financial measures and fell below median for the relative TSR measure. The financial targets were set in 2018 in the context of the expectation of a stable economy and were not adjusted, but the negative impact of the pandemic on the 2020/21 results made those targets unachievable.
With many of DS Smith's markets in lockdown at the beginning of the year, and consequently very weak trading and an uncertain outlook, 2020/21 presented the Committee with significant challenges in setting realistic but stretching targets for the annual bonus incentive. The targets the Committee chose demanded a significant improvement in profitability month by month as the year progressed and were aligned to the sell-side consensus at the time; they ultimately proved successful in incentivising an impressive recovery from the very weak trading seen in the first
months of the year. The targets were not amended by the Committee.
The bonus award as a percentage of maximum will apply to around 1,500 employees who participate in the Group bonus plan and the vesting percentage of 0% under the 2018 PSP will apply to the top 150 senior managers who participate in the Group's long term incentive plan. When deciding the level of these variable pay elements, the Committee considered the experience of the Group's stakeholders during the 2020/21 financial year. In respect of the 2020/21 financial year, an interim dividend has been paid and a final dividend has been recommended, subject to the approval of shareholders at the forthcoming AGM. The share price on 30 April 2021 was £4.21, up from a low of £2.53 earlier in 2020. Employment levels Group-wide have been maintained, with a strong focus on employee health and wellbeing, exemplified by a Group-wide extra day of holiday offered in 2021. Any UK Government furlough support taken in the initial stages of the pandemic, when the situation was very uncertain, has been repaid. The Group's connection with the local communities where our sites are based has become much stronger in the past year through increased engagement in community programmes. (Some examples of this are described on page 32). Our commitment to carbon reduction has continued, with a 23% relative to production decrease from 2015 levels. Most importantly for our customers, and for their customers, putting in place new policies and practices to allow production to continue, has enabled volume growth and supported responsiveness to react to changes in customers' needs. The proportion of orders that are delivered on time, in full across our businesses has, despite the circumstances of the past 12 months, remained at 95 per cent, as it has been for the previous two years. The Committee also noted that there were some negative impacts of the pandemic in the last quarter of 2019/20 and this had resulted in no bonus award being payable under the 2019/20 plan. The Committee concluded that the variable pay outcome (both of the annual bonus and PSP) in respect of 2020/21 appropriately reflected the Company's performance in the period and was commensurate with the broader stakeholder experience in the period. It was therefore not felt necessary to apply any discretion to amend the outcome. The Committee also concluded that the remuneration policy has operated as intended, both in terms of appropriately incentivising corporate performance and in respect of quantum.
The key discussions and decisions taken since 1 May 2020 were:
with effect from 1 January 2021. Reviewing these salaries as usual in April 2021 and deciding that a pay increase in line with the average increase provided to the workforce as a whole would be implemented on 1 August 2021
forward the Committee will be updated on any major policy changes for the workforce or new approaches to remuneration.
The diagram on page 89 sets out the approach the Group is taking to collate ideas and hear any concerns from the workforce around reward. One of the consequences of Covid-19 has been an enforced delay on our planned expansion of this programme of engagement at site level. While there are many things that can be done through the medium of electronic meetings, focus sessions at site level are most valuable and insightful when held in person.
The UK Corporate Governance Code asks the Board to ensure effective engagement with, and encourage participation from, its shareholders and stakeholders. As a Board we decided that the complexities of consulting and engaging with around 29,000 people at more than 350 sites and offices, in more than 30 countries are such that engagement with the workforce was not a role for just one person (such as a designated non-executive director). The Board has used as its starting point for this important work the European Works Council (EWC), a formal workforce advisory panel. It has chosen to build on that existing structure as it is already a well-established forum for engagement on a range of matters relating to the workforce. The Board considers it appropriate to use this body, initially, as a communication channel with the workforce to hear the 'employee voice' in the boardroom.
An EWC representative joined a Committee meeting this year to support and inform discussions about Sharesave (our employee share plan). Prior to that meeting we worked closely with the EWC representative to design a questionnaire to send out to all employees across the Group to find out:
The EWC representative then attended the Committee meeting to present the feedback received from around 4,000 employees (drawn from across a broad representation of the whole employee population). He also provided his own insight on what improvements could be made to continue to increase participation levels. Overall, the satisfaction for those participating in Sharesave was extremely high. Accordingly, the ongoing focus will be on ensuring that those employees who choose not to participate are making a fully informed choice and understand the benefits provided by Sharesave that they are foregoing.
In addition, I once again attended a meeting of the EWC Executive to engage with them and give an updated presentation about how executive remuneration policy is set and take questions from them about the way in which the Committee operates. In our meeting in March 2021 we covered the changes made to the remuneration policy which had been approved by shareholders at the 2020 AGM and discussed some of the considerations the Committee has to take into account in making its decisions about executive remuneration in the new Covid-19 environment. The focus of the meeting was to engage with the EWC representatives to explain how executive remuneration aligns with wider Group pay policy, but the representatives were also keen to share their views on aspects of the remuneration of the wider workforce, such as the level of discount offered when setting the Sharesave option price and the scope for an increase in the pension contribution rates offered to the workforce. These meetings are now a regular feature of the routine timetable as the EWC Executive value the opportunity they provide and find them useful to understand more about matters relating to the Executive Directors' remuneration and its alignment with that of the wider workforce. Any other reward-related feedback from any sources, whether that is from pulse engagement surveys, Town Hall meetings, management site visits or social media is fed back to the Remuneration Committee.
The Committee decided to take this more structured approach to consulting with the workforce on executive pay, as we felt that it would be a more effective way to open and develop the dialogue about remuneration matters. The Committee will consider further steps to consult more widely, taking into consideration the complexities of achieving this when travel is likely to remain restricted for a period in the pandemic-aware world.
As well as the regular annual cycle of matters that the Committee schedules for consideration, we are planning over the next 12 months to:
Due to the current uncertain times, the difficulties of predicting customer demand and the economic conditions, target setting for incentive plans continues to be challenging. The Committee recognises that it may need to exercise discretion on any vesting of the respective plans in forthcoming years.
As a Committee we are mindful that some shareholders are encouraging companies to introduce non-financial performance measures, particularly ESG (environmental, social and governance) measures. To lead the way in sustainability is a key pillar of our corporate strategy and success in the delivery of that strategy feeds directly into the financial KPIs used in our short and longterm incentive plans. To reinforce the importance and commitment to this, the 2021/22 annual bonus plan will include an ESG underpin (see page 97 for more details). Looking further ahead, although we have the flexibility in our remuneration policy to introduce such ESG metrics into the primary performance measures, the Committee is conscious that this would need careful consideration. The current incentive measures are considered to be clear, challenging, consistent and well understood. The Committee will however continue to consider and review this matter as practice matures. More details about our approach to sustainability are set out on pages 30 to 33 of the Annual Report, as well as in our latest Sustainability Report.
Shareholder views, whether directly or indirectly expressed, together with relevant guidance and emerging trends, are carefully considered when reviewing reward design and outcomes. At the AGM in September 2021, shareholders will be asked to vote on the Remuneration Report. I hope that the Committee will have your support.
As Committee Chairman, I continue to be available to engage with shareholders, as they so wish, on remuneration matters.
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
86 21 June 2021
Miles Roberts
| £984 | £2,525 £1,541 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Marsh | £726 | Fixed pay | Annual bonus |
| £593 | £1,319 | (salary/benefits/pension) |
| Total £'000 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 2019/20 | ||
| Miles Roberts | 2,525 | 1,422 | 78% |
| Adrian Marsh | 1,319 | 796 | 66% |
For more information on how this is calculated see page 94.
| Vesting as a % of maximum | 2020/21 annual bonus |
2018/19 PSP vesting in 2021/22 |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Roberts | 98% | 0% |
| Adrian Marsh | 98% | 0% |
Salary increases with effect from 1 August 2021 are set out on page 95.
The percentage of salary each Executive Director holds in shares is set out on page 101.
The contribution rates for incumbent Executive Directors are being reduced. Miles Roberts receives an annual pension allowance which was reduced from 30% of base salary to 20% with effect from 1 August 2020 and will be reduced again to 15% with effect from 1 August 2021. Adrian Marsh receives an annual pension allowance which was reduced from 20% of base salary to 15% with effect from 1 August 2020 and will be reduced again to 10% with effect from 1 August 2021. The pension allowance of both Miles Roberts and Adrian Marsh will be reduced further so that their pension benefit will be aligned with that available to the workforce in the UK (being the country where they are based for employment purposes) with effect from 1 August 2024.
The table below sets out a summary of how the remuneration policy for 2020-23 will apply during 2021/22.
| Remuneration element | Application of the remuneration policy |
|---|---|
| Base salary | • Salaries will be increased by 2.5% (in line with the average increase of 2.5% for the workforce as a whole) as follows: |
| • Group Chief Executive £814,000; and • Group Finance Director £511,500. |
|
| Annual bonus | • No changes to maximum award levels of: |
| • Group Chief Executive 200%; and • Group Finance Director 150%. |
|
| • Bonus paid half in cash and half in deferred shares, under the deferred share bonus plan (DSBP), with the shares vesting after three years. |
|
| • The performance measures for 2021/22 remain as adjusted EBTA and free cash flow with equal weighting. (Details of the ESG underpin are set out on page 97.) |
|
| Performance share plan | • No change to maximum award level for Group Chief Executive of 225% |
| (PSP) | • Increase in award level for Group Finance Director from 175% to 200%. |
| • The performance measures for 2021/22 will remain as adjusted EPS, adjusted ROACE and relative TSR with equal weighting. |
|
| • Any shares that vest under this award must be retained for a further two years before they can be sold and they are also subject to a post-employment holding condition. |
| Remuneration element | Application of the remuneration policy in 2021/22 (continued) |
|---|---|
| Pension | • With effect from 1 August 2021 the contribution or cash alternative rate is reduced: |
| • Group Chief Executive from 20% to 15%; and | |
| • Group Finance Director from 15% to 10%. | |
| Shareholding guidelines | • Shareholding target remains at 225% of salary for the Group Chief Executive and increases from 175% to 200% for the Group Finance Director. • Actual holding (valued at 30 April 2021 share price) was 1,317% and 551% respectively. |
| Any shares that vest under the PSP awards granted in 2020/2 1 will be held in a nominee arrangement for the appropriate period, because they are also subject to a post-employment holding condition (in addition to the two-year post-vesting holding condition). |
The balance between fixed and variable 'at risk' elements of remuneration changes with performance. Our remuneration policy results in a significant proportion of remuneration received by Executive Directors being dependent on performance. The total remuneration of the Executive Directors for maximum, target and minimum performance in 2021/22 is presented in the charts below. (The basis of the calculation of the share price appreciation is that the share price embedded in the calculation for the PSP awards in the maximum bar chart is assumed to increase by 50% across the performance period.) These figures are indicative as future share prices and future dividends are not known at present.
Miles Roberts Adrian Marsh
Maximum (fixed remuneration plus maximum annual bonus opportunity plus 100% vesting of performance shares) and share price appreciation of 50%: £'000s
| £962 | £1,618 | £2,680 £5,260 |
£584 | £763 | £1,497 £2,844 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed pay: 18% | Bonus: 31% | PSP: 51% | Fixed pay: 20% | Bonus: 27% | PSP: 53% |
Maximum (fixed remuneration plus maximum annual bonus opportunity plus 100% vesting of performance shares) £'000s
| £962 | £1,618 | £1,787 | £4,367 | £584 | £763 | £998 | £2,345 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed pay: 22% | Bonus: 37% | PSP: 41% | Fixed pay: 25% | Bonus: 32% | PSP: 43% |
Target (fixed remuneration plus half of maximum annual bonus opportunity plus 25% vesting at threshold of performance shares) £'000s
| £962 £809 |
£447 £2,218 | £584 £381 |
£250 £1,215 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed pay: 43% | Bonus: 37% | PSP: 20% | Fixed pay: 48% | Bonus: 31% | PSP: 21% | |
| Minimum (fixed remuneration only, i.e. latest known salary, benefits and pension) £'000s | ||||||
| £962 | £584 |
Fixed pay: 100%
Fixed pay: 100%
Under the 2018 Corporate Governance Code (the Code) the Committee is asked to describe with examples how it has considered six specific factors. In 2020 the Committee's review of the remuneration policy was an example of taking all these factors into account, but in every year the decisions made in relation to remuneration matters are taken in alignment with the over-arching reward principles that apply to all executive management. These principles are periodically reviewed by management and considered by the Remuneration Committee.
In 2021 the Committee reviewed the reward principles (set out on page 89) and noted that these principles are clear and
expressed simply. Under our reward principles incentive levels are to be proportionate and designed in a way to minimise any behavioural risks.
All the criteria for each element of an individual's remuneration are explained, so that each individual has a clear and predictable line of sight as to what actions will impact their remuneration outcomes, so that all remuneration is appropriately earned for genuine business performance aligned to Company strategy.
As part of good practice for any reputable company we apply the following baseline principles when setting reward across the organisation:
However, to differentiate our employee value proposition and ensure that our approach to reward aligns to our culture, we have developed the following DS Smith reward principles.
middle managers and frontline employees, performance measures can be the key value drivers that the individuals are able to influence directly such as cost, quality and service.
The remuneration sections of this report explain how we have applied aspects of principles P, Q and R in section 5 (remuneration) of the Code and how we have put the provisions of that section into practice, as well as how we have complied with the Companies Act 2006 and other regulatory requirements in relation to remuneration matters. After the introductory letter from the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, we summarise the remuneration of the Executive Directors in our 'at a glance' section. We have put that summary section next as we know some readers are less interested in the more detailed sections that follow about how the implementation of the remuneration policy has operated in practice in the year under review in 2020/21 and how the remuneration policy will operate in 2021/22. Finally there are some other required disclosures that also relate to remuneration matters included in the last part of this Remuneration Report.
(approved in 2020)
Set out below are the key elements of our Directors' remuneration policy applicable from 8 September 2020 when the policy was approved by our shareholders. The full policy can be found in the Annual Report 2020 on our website at https://www.dssmith.com/ investors/annual-reports/archive. Since the policy was approved at the 2020 AGM, the Committee has in 2021 undertaken a further review of the level of pension contribution and on 1 August 2024 the maximum pension contribution for the Executive Directors will be reduced further to be aligned with that available to the workforce in the UK (being the country where they are based for employment purposes).
| to strategy | Operation and performance metrics | Maximum opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Basic salary To help recruit and retain key senior executives. |
Normally reviewed by the Committee annually and fixed for the 12 months commencing 1 August. The Committee takes into account: • role, competence and performance; |
Salaries will normally be increased in line with increases for the workforce in general, unless there has been an increase in the scope, responsibility or complexity of the role, when increases may be higher. Phased higher |
| To provide a competitive salary relative to comparable companies, in terms of size and complexity. |
• average change in broader workforce salary; and • total organisational salary budgets. When external benchmarking is used, the comparator groups are chosen having regard to: |
increases may also be awarded to new Executive Directors who were hired at a discount to the market level to bring salary to the desired mid-market positioning, subject to individual performance. |
| • size: market capitalisation, turnover, profits and the number of employees; • diversity and complexity of the business; • geographical spread of the business; and • domicile of the Executive Director. |
The aim is to position salaries around the mid-market level, although higher salaries may be paid, if necessary, in cases of external recruitment or retention. |
|
| Annual bonus To incentivise executives to achieve or exceed specific, |
Targets are set annually. The performance measures, targets and weightings may vary from year to year in order to align with the Company's strategy and goals during the year to which the bonus relates. |
Maximum bonus potential of 200% of base salary, with target bonus being one half of the maximum. |
| predetermined objectives during a one-year period. |
Performance measures can include some or all of the following: financial measures, strategic measures and ESG measures. |
Bonus starts to be earned at the threshold level (below which 0% is payable). |
| To reward ongoing delivery and contribution to strategic initiatives. |
Bonus payouts are determined by the Committee after the year end, based on performance against predetermined objectives, at least the majority of which will be financial. |
Current maximum potential for each Executive Director is set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration. |
| Deferred proportion of bonus, awarded in shares, |
Up to half of the bonus is paid in cash and the balance is deferred into shares. |
|
| provides a retention element and additional alignment of interests with shareholders. |
The deferred bonus shares vest after three years. Dividend equivalents arising over the period between the grant date and the vesting date are paid in cash or shares in respect of the shares which vest. |
|
| The annual bonus plans are not contractual and bonuses under the plans are not eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the participating executives' pension plan arrangements. |
||
| Malus and clawback provisions apply to the annual bonus plan and the deferred bonus shares so that individuals are liable to repay/forfeit some or all of their bonus if there is a material misstatement of results, error in calculation, gross misconduct, payments based on erroneous or misleading data, significant reputational damage or corporate failure. The Committee will act reasonably in the application of malus and clawback. |
| Element, purpose and link |
|---|
| Performance share plan | |
|---|---|
| (PSP) |
To incentivise Executive Directors and other senior executives to achieve returns for shareholders over a longer time frame.
To help retain executives and align their interests with shareholders through building a shareholding in the Company.
Share ownership guidelines
To further align the interests of executives with those of shareholders.
to strategy Operation and performance metrics Maximum opportunity
Awards of nil-cost options are made annually with vesting dependent on the achievement of performance conditions over the three subsequent years.
Awards will vest, subject to performance, on the third anniversary of grant and will be subject to an additional two-year holding period post-vesting, during which time awarded shares may not be sold (other than for tax purposes).
The Committee reviews the quantum of awards annually to ensure that they are in line with market levels and appropriate, given the performance of the individual and the Company.
Performance measures can include some or all of the following: financial measures, strategic measures, ESG measures and relative TSR.
Dividend equivalents arising over the period between the grant date and the vesting date are paid in cash or shares in respect of the shares which vest.
Malus and clawback provisions apply to the PSP so that individuals are liable to repay/forfeit some or all of their shares if there is a material misstatement of results, error in calculation, gross misconduct, vesting based on erroneous or misleading data, significant reputational damage or corporate failure. The Committee will act reasonably in the application of malus and clawback.
Executive Directors are expected to build and maintain a shareholding in the Company's shares as a multiple of their base salary within five years of appointment as an Executive Director (Group Chief Executive 225%, Group Finance Director 175% 1 ).
To achieve this, Executive Directors are expected to retain at least 50% of shares (net of tax) which vest under the Company's share plans until the share ownership guidelines are met. Nil cost options which have vested but that the Executive Director has yet to exercise and unvested nil cost options awarded under the DSBP (if they are only subject to a time-based condition) are considered to count towards the shareholding on a notional post-tax basis.
Non-Executive Directors are expected to build and maintain a shareholding that is equivalent to 50% of their annual fee from the Company within two years of their date of appointment.
In respect of share plan awards granted from 2020 onwards, Executive Directors will be required to retain, for two years after leaving the Company, a holding of shares at a level equal to the lower of the shareholding requirement they were subject to during employment and their actual shareholding on departure (excluding shares purchased with own funds and any shares from share plan awards made before 2020).
The maximum annual award under the PSP that may be granted to an individual in any financial year is 225% of salary in normal circumstances and 400% of salary in exceptional circumstances, which is limited to buy-out awards under recruitment.
Actual award levels to Executive Directors are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration.
25% of the relevant part of the award will vest for achieving threshold performance (which for a relative TSR performance measure would be median performance), increasing to full vesting for the achievement of maximum performance.
Not applicable
| to strategy | Operation and performance metrics | Maximum opportunity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All employee share plan Encourages long-term shareholding in the Company. |
Executive Directors have the opportunity to participate in the UK or international sharesave plans on the same terms as other eligible employees (which is currently an opportunity to save up to £250, or local currency equivalent, per month). There are no performance conditions applicable to awards. |
Up to £500 per month (or local currency equivalent). |
|||
| Pension To remain competitive in the marketplace and provide income in |
Executive Directors can elect to: • participate in the Group's registered defined contribution plan (DC Plan); or • receive a salary supplement; or |
Maximum: 20% (for Group Chief Executive) and 15% (for Group Finance Director) of base salary from 1 August 2020 (combined cash supplement and DC Plan contribution). On 1 August 2021 the maximum pension |
|||
| retirement. | • a combination of the above. | contribution will be reduced to 15% (for Group Chief Executive) and 10% (for Group Finance Director) of base salary. |
|||
| A further review of the level of pension contribution will take place in 20221 |
|||||
| 1. Since the policy was approved at the 2020 AGM the Committee has in 2021 undertaken a further review of the level of pension contribution and on 1 August 2024 the maximum pension contribution for the Executive Directors will be reduced further to be aligned with that available to the workforce in the UK (being the country where they are based for employment purposes). |
|||||
| Future appointments to the Board or any Board member changing roles would be given a pension benefit aligned with that available to the workforce in the country where they are based for employment purposes. |
|||||
| Benefits To help retain employees and remain competitive in the marketplace. |
Directors, along with other UK senior executives, receive a car allowance or company car equivalent, income protection insurance, four times life cover, family medical insurance and subsidised gym membership. Additional benefits (including a |
Benefit levels may be increased in line with market levels to ensure they remain competitive and valued by the recipient. However, as the cost of the provision of benefits can vary without any |
|||
| relocation allowance) may be provided from time to time, where they are in line with market practice. |
change in the level of provisions, no maximum is predetermined. |
||||
| Any reasonable business related expenses may be reimbursed (including tax thereon, if deemed to be a taxable benefit). |
|||||
| Non-Executive Directors and Chairman |
Reviewed annually by the Board (after recommendation by the Committee in respect of the Chairman). |
No prescribed maximum annual increase. | |||
| Attract and retain high | Fee increases, if applicable, are normally effective from | Details of current fees are set out in the annual report on remuneration. |
|||
| performing individuals. | 1 August. The Board and, where appropriate, the Committee, considers pay data at comparable companies of similar scale. |
Aggregate annual fees limited to £1,000,000 by Articles of Association. |
|||
| The Senior Independent Director and the Chairmen of the Audit and Remuneration Committees receive additional fees. |
|||||
| No eligibility for participation in bonuses, retirement plans or share plans but limited benefits may be delivered in relation to the permanency of their duties as a Director (e.g. hospitality, provision of a mobile phone, tablet/laptop and travel-related expenses). Tax may be reimbursed if these benefits are deemed to be a taxable benefit. |
|||||
| If there is a temporary yet material increase in the time commitments for non-Executive Directors, the Board may pay extra fees on a pro-rata basis to recognise the additional workload. |
The Committee will operate the annual bonus plan and long-term plans according to the rules of each respective plan, their respective ancillary documents and the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules, which, consistent with market practice, include discretion in a number of respects in relation to the operation of each plan. Discretions include:
The Committee can use its judgement to make adjustments to published outturns for significant events or changes in the Company's asset base that were not envisaged when the targets were originally set or for changes to accounting standards, to ensure that the performance conditions achieve their original purpose.
The Committee also has the discretion to reduce or apply other restrictions to an award if, after taking into account all circumstances known to the Committee, it determines that the amount which a participant would otherwise receive pursuant to an incentive award in accordance with its terms would result in the participant receiving an amount which the Committee considers cannot be justified or which the Committee considers to be an unfair or undeserved benefit to the participant.
The Committee has the discretion to override formulaic outcomes to the bonus and the PSP or DSBP in order to ensure that outcomes reflect true underlying business performance or to reduce awards if the business has suffered an exceptional negative event in order to ensure that outcomes reflect overall corporate performance.
The Committee can use its discretion to waive the postemployment shareholding requirement in the event of ill health or death.
Any historic share awards (other than those granted in 2020) that were granted before 8 September 2020 (when the revised policy came into force) and still remain outstanding will remain eligible to vest or be exercised or sold based on their original award terms and the remuneration policy that was in force when those awards were granted.
The purpose of our remuneration policy is to deliver a remuneration package that:
All our decisions as a Remuneration Committee are taken in this context.
The tables below show how we have applied the remuneration policy during 2020/21. They disclose all the elements of remuneration earned by the Directors during the year. Full details of the policy that was voted on in 2020 are included in the 2020 Annual Report and is available on our website.
Deloitte LLP has audited, as required by the applicable regulations, those tables labelled as audited.
| Group Finance Director | 2020/21 | 494 | 19 | 80 | 593 | 726 | 0 | 726 | 1,319 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Marsh | 2019/20 | 489 | 19 | 98 | 606 | 0 | 1904 | 190 | 796 |
| Group Chief Executive | 2020/21 | 786 | 21 | 177 | 984 | 1,541 | 0 | 1,541 | 2,525 |
| Miles Roberts | 2019/20 | 778 | 22 | 233 | 1,033 | 0 | 389 4 | 389 | 1,422 |
| Executive Directors | Salary £'000 |
Benefits1 £'000 |
Pensions2 £'000 |
Total fixed remuneration |
Annual bonus3 £'000 |
Long-term incentives £'0004 |
Total variable remuneration |
Total single remuneration figure |
Taxable benefits in 2019/20 and 2020/21 principally include a car allowance of £20,000 for Miles Roberts and £17,500 for Adrian Marsh. Both Directors also receive income protection, life and health cover.
In lieu of membership of the defined contribution scheme Miles Roberts receives an annual pension allowance which was reduced from 30% with effect from 1 August 2020 to 20% of base salary and Adrian Marsh receives an annual pension allowance which was reduced from 20% with effect from 1 August 2020 to 15% of base salary. The annual pension allowances are not pensionable and are not considered to be salary for the purpose of calculating any bonus payment. More details about the further planned reductions in pension benefits are set out on page 87.
The annual bonus, when paid, is paid 50% in cash and 50% in deferred shares as described in the policy table on page 90.
The long-term incentives for 2019/20 were valued in the 2020 Annual Report using the average share price for the last three months of that financial year, which was 311.7p. This has been restated to reflect the share price on the next working day following the actual vesting date of Saturday 18 July 2020, which was 278.6p. This also impacts the total and sub-total figures for 2019/20.
| Fees £'000 |
Total8 2020/21 £'000 |
Total8 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 2019/20 | 2019/20 £'000 |
||
| Non-Executive Directors | ||||
| Geoff Drabble1 | 128 | – | 128 | – |
| Gareth Davis2 | 191 | 284 | 191 | 284 |
| Celia Baxter3 | 76 | 43 | 76 | 43 |
| Chris Britton4 | 22 | 60 | 22 | 60 |
| Alina Kessel5 | 61 | – | 61 | – |
| David Robbie6 | 76 | 70 | 76 | 70 |
| Louise Smalley | 61 | 60 | 61 | 60 |
| Rupert Soames7 | 71 | 67 | 71 | 67 |
| Total | 686 | 584 | 686 | 584 |
Geoff Drabble joined the Board with effect from 1 September 2020 and became Chairman with effect from 3 January 2021, when his fee increased to £330,000 per annum (fixed for three years).
Gareth Davis stepped down from the Board with effect from 3 January 2021.
Celia Baxter joined the Board with effect from 9 October 2019.
Chris Britton stepped down from the Board with effect from 8 September 2020.
Alina Kessel joined the Board with effect from 1 May 2020.
David Robbie joined the Board with effect from 11 April 2019.
Rupert Soames joined the Board with effect from 1 March 2019.
Non-Executive Directors received no taxable benefits, annual bonus, long-term incentives or pension payments during 2019/20 or 2020/21 .
| Earned in | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 August 2019 (£) |
1 August 2020 (£) |
1 January 2021 (£) |
1 August 2021 (£) |
2020/21 (£) |
|
| Miles Roberts | 782,300 | 782,300 | 794,000 | 814,000 | 786,200 |
| Adrian Marsh | 491,600 | 491,600 | 499,000 | 511,500 | 494,067 |
When reviewing salaries the Committee takes account of a number of factors, with particular focus on the general level of salary increases awarded to employees throughout the Group. Where relevant, the Committee also considers external market data on salary and total remuneration. When initially considering the Executive Directors' salary increase for 2021, the Committee also looked at the data for the peer group of FTSE 51-150 companies (excluding Financial Services companies). It chose that comparator group as one that (in line with the remuneration policy) reflected a similar size and complexity of business and of geographical spread as well as the domicile of the Executive Directors. The Committee applies judgement when considering such data.
In 2020 the outcome of the salary review for the UK workforce was on average an increase of 1.7%. In view of the economic uncertainty caused by Covid-19, the Company took the decision not to go ahead with an 'across the board' review in the normal timeframe (which varies by country and business area). This decision impacted all management roles and certain business areas where any collective pay arrangements were not already in progress or in the pipeline. Consistent with the treatment of the rest of the management population, the Executive Directors did not receive a salary increase in August 2020. At the end of 2020, due to the resilient performance of the business in the second six months of 2020, this area was revisited and pay increases were awarded, with effect from 1 January 2021, with an average pay increase of 1.7 % where given. Accordingly, the Committee felt that it was appropriate to treat the Executive Directors in the same way, awarding them a 1.5% pay increase with effect from 1 January 2021. The usual review of executive remuneration was held in April 2021 and it was agreed that a pay increase of 2.5% (in line with the average increase for the workforce as a whole) would be implemented on 1 August 2021.
In addition to a base fee of £60,500, the Chairman of the Audit Committee and the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee each receive a fee of £15,000 per annum and the Senior Independent Director receives a fee of £10,000 per annum. For the same reasons (as set out above) that the Executive Directors did not receive a salary increase in August 2020, there was no increase in the Non-Executive Director base fee or the additional role fees in August 2020. Nor was there an increase in January 2021. The fee for the Chairman with effect from 3 January 2021 was set taking into account market rates for comparable positions and is fixed for three years. It was agreed that an increase of 2.5% (in line with the average increase for the workforce as a whole) would be implemented in respect of the base fee for Non-Executive Directors on 1 August 2021.
The rates for the Chairman's and Non-Executive Directors' fees are:
| Base fee effective from | Earned in | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 August 2019 (£) |
1 August 20208 (£) |
1 August 2021 (£) |
2020/21 (£) |
|
| Geoff Drabble1 | – | – | 330,000 | 128,284 |
| Gareth Davis2 | 285,400 | 285,400 | n/a | 191,364 |
| Celia Baxter3 | 60,500 | 60,500 | 62,000 | 75,500 |
| Chris Britton4 | 60,500 | 60,500 | n/a | 21,563 |
| Alina Kessel5 | - | 60,500 | 62,000 | 60,500 |
| David Robbie6 | 60,500 | 60,500 | 62,000 | 75,500 |
| Louise Smalley | 60,500 | 60,500 | 62,000 | 60,500 |
| Rupert Soames7 | 60,500 | 60,500 | 62,000 | 70,500 |
Geoff Drabble joined the Board with effect from 1 September 2020 and became Chairman with effect from 3 January 2021. His fee as a Non-Executive Director was £60,500 per annum. His total fee as a Non-Executive Chairman is £330,000 per annum, which will not be reviewed for three years.
Gareth Davis stepped down from the Board with effect from 3 January 2021.
Celia Baxter joined the Board with effect from 9 October 2019.
Chris Britton stepped down from the Board with effect from 8 September 2020.
Alina Kessel joined the Board with effect from 1 May 2020.
David Robbie joined the Board with effect from 11 April 2019.
Rupert Soames joined the Board with effect from 1 March 2019.
In line with the decision made for the Executive Directors above, a decision was taken not to go ahead with a fee review at the normal time on 1 August 2020 for Non-Executive Directors .
The Committee believes it is important that a significant portion of the Executive Directors' package is performance-related and that the performance conditions support the delivery of the Group's strategy and its long-term sustainable success. The remuneration policy encourages long-term performance by setting challenging targets linked to sustainable growth for the variable pay, which consists of the annual bonus and the longer-term PSP. The Remuneration Committee has discretion to adjust retrospectively the targets, for example after a substantial restructuring, and would normally discuss this with its larger shareholders. Alternatively adjustments to published outturns may be appropriate for significant events or changes in the asset base that were not envisaged when the targets were originally set, to ensure that the performance conditions achieve their original purpose. Full disclosure of this would be given in the Remuneration Report. The Remuneration Committee has the discretion to override formulaic outcomes in order to ensure that outcomes reflect true underlying business performance. When considering that discretion in relation to the annual bonus for 2021/22 the Committee will also take into account various ESG matters (as described on page 97).
An explanation of the performance measures for the annual bonus (assessed on a constant currency basis) and PSP (assessed on an actual currency basis without adjustments for exchange rate movements) is set out below. The strategic rationale for the choice of these performance measures is to focus on the key financial measures both over the longer performance period for the PSP of three years and the shorter performance period for the annual bonus of one year.
Adjusted EPS is disclosed in the Annual Report and is the portion of the Group's adjusted after tax profit allocated to each outstanding share. Adjusted EPS is an indicator of the underlying performance of the Group.
ROACE is disclosed in the Annual Report. It is defined as earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and adjusting items as a percentage of average capital employed, including goodwill. This is a measure of the efficiency and profitability of the assets and investments.
TSR is the increase (or decrease) in the value of a notional investment in a share in the Company and each of the companies in the Industrial Goods and Services Supersector within the FTSE 350 Index over the three-year PSP performance period, taking account of share price movement and the value of dividends (which are deemed to be re-invested) over that period. This is a measure that takes into account the experience of shareholders over the applicable period.
EBTA is adjusted earnings before taxation, amortisation and income from associates. This measure gives a snapshot of the performance of the Group in the short term of a single financial year.
Free cash flow is the net movement on debt before cash outflow for adjusting items, dividends paid, acquisition and disposal of subsidiary businesses (including borrowings acquired), and proceeds from issue of share capital, adjusted for the effects of changes in factoring balances. This measure focuses on liquidity, a key area in an uncertain economic environment.
The Executive Directors' targets for the 2020/21 bonus were based on the financial targets set out in the tables on the next page, with annual bonus payments determined by reference to performance over the financial year ended 30 April 2021. Achievement is calculated on a straight-line basis between threshold and target and between target and maximum. Adjusted EBTA and free cash flow have equal weighting as annual bonus performance measures.
| Financial measure | Threshold 0% of maximum |
Target 50% of maximum |
Maximum | Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBTA | £359m | £394m | £429m | £426m |
| Free cash flow | £276m | £295m | £316m | £490m |
| Miles Roberts | Adrian Marsh | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBTA (as a proportion of the maximum opportunity) | 48/50 | 48/50 |
| Free cash flow (as a proportion of the maximum opportunity) | 50/50 | 50/50 |
| Total (as a proportion of the maximum opportunity) | 98/100 | 98/100 |
| Maximum bonus opportunity as a % of salary | 200% | 150% |
| Value of bonus paid in cash | £770,476 | £363,139 |
| Value of bonus deferred into shares | £770,476 | £363,139 |
| Overall award level | £1,540,952 | £726,278 |
Performance is assessed on a constant currency basis and therefore the actual published results are restated for bonus purposes using budgeted exchange rates.
Bonus awards are measured against the achievement of the Group's objectives. Maximum bonus opportunity for 2020/21 for Miles Roberts was 200% of salary and for Adrian Marsh was 150% and was between 65% and 110% for the other senior executives.
When deciding the level of variable pay, including the annual bonus, the Committee considered the experience of the Group's stakeholders during the 2020/21 financial year (as summarised on page 85) and the Committee concluded that the outcome of the annual bonus in respect of 2020/21 appropriately reflected the Company's performance in 2020/21 and was commensurate with the broader stakeholder experience in that period. It was therefore not felt necessary to apply any discretion to amend the outcome of the overall award level.
The annual bonus for 2021/22 will remain in line with the remuneration policy and with a maximum opportunity of 200% of salary for the Group Chief Executive and 150% for the Group Finance Director.
For 2021/22 it will be based on EBTA and free cash flow, each with equal weighting. In the event of an unbudgeted acquisition or disposal in the year, the Committee will assess how the financial performance of the acquired or disposed of company should be treated.
In the opinion of the Committee, the annual bonus measures and targets for 2021/22 are commercially sensitive and accordingly are not disclosed prospectively. These will be disclosed next year in the Directors' remuneration report, so that achievement against those targets will be visible, in retrospect.
When considering the application of discretion to override the formulaic outcome for the 2021/22 annual bonus, the Committee will take into account and report on the following factors:
Introducing an ESG underpin in this way acknowledges the importance of ESG which is integral to the DS Smith strategy, and in particular our strategic goal to lead the way in sustainability.
The PSP operates as a long-term incentive plan for approximately the top 150 senior managers in the Group, with awards vesting after three years, and held for a further two years by the Executive Directors.
The awards have three performance measures: adjusted EPS, adjusted ROACE and relative TSR. These have equal weighting.
The Committee's policy is that no adjustments for exchange rate movements are made to EPS and ROACE over the three-year performance period as these are of a long-term nature and fluctuations are more likely to average out over the period.
The relative TSR vesting scale is median to upper quartile performance, with no vesting below median performance. 25% of the award vests for achieving threshold performance, increasing on a straight-line basis to full vesting for maximum performance.
The TSR comparator group for the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 awards is the FTSE 350 Industrial Goods and Services Supersector.
Unfortunately, the PSP award granted on 22 June 2018 which was due to vest in June 2021 based on the 3 year average EPS and ROACE performance between 2018/19 and 2020/21 and the 3 year cumulative relative TSR performance (each equally weighted), did not meet the threshold targets for the two financial measures and fell below median for the relative TSR measure. The financial targets (in the table below) were set in 2018 in the context of the expectation of a stable economy, but the negative impact of the pandemic on the 2020/21 results made those targets unachievable.
| Weighting | Threshold (25% vests) |
Maximum (100% vests) |
Outcome | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three-year average EPS | One third | 35.7p | 40.8p | 30.5p |
| Three-year average ROACE | One third | 12.3% | 13.5% | 10.8% |
| Relative TSR1 | One third | Median | Upper quartile | Below median |
25% of the PSP award vests for achieving threshold performance, increasing on a straight-line basis to full vesting for maximum performance.
The DSBP award vesting in 2021 relates to the deferral into shares of half of the bonus paid in June 2018 in relation to the financial year 2017/18. The number of shares vesting in 2021 under the DSBP award granted on 22 June 2018 when adjusted for the rights issue is 132,849 for Miles Roberts and 62,603 for Adrian Marsh. Details of those awards and the single total figure of remuneration that included them were set out in the remuneration report for 2017/18. Dividend equivalents for the DSBP award also accrued during the three-year vesting period. Those dividend equivalents will be paid in shares (10,588 for Miles Roberts and 4,989 for Adrian Marsh) shortly after the award vests on 22 June 2021, the third anniversary of grant of the award.
The PSP awards made in 2020 in respect of 2020/21 were in line with the current remuneration policy and, as reported in last year's remuneration report, were:
| Executive Director | Award | Number of options granted under award on 14 July 2020 |
Face value of award at time of grant (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Roberts | PSP | 647,123 | 1,760,175 |
| Adrian Marsh | PSP | 316,286 | 860,298 |
The PSP awards were made on 14 July 2020. The face value in the above table is calculated using 272p which was the average price of a DS Smith share for the three trading days preceding the grant of the award and the price used in the calculation of the number of options awarded.
The targets for the 2020/21 PSP award are set out below:
| % vesting as a proportion | Adjusted EPS One third1 |
Adjusted ROACE One third1 |
Relative TSR One third2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 36.5p | 12.5% | Upper quartile |
| Between 25% and 100% | 34.2-36.5p | 11.0%-12.5% | Between median and upper quartile |
| 25% | 34.2p | 11.0% | Median |
Awards vest on a straight-line basis between threshold and maximum performance. The performance measurement period for the adjusted EPS and adjusted ROACE targets is the 2022/23 financial year and for the relative TSR target is the three years to 30 April 2023.
The 2019/20 baseline results are 33.2p for adjusted EPS and 10.6% for adjusted ROACE.
The comparator group for measurement of relative TSR is the FTSE 350 Industrial Goods and Services Supersector, as it was in 2018/19 and 2019/20.
No DSBP awards were granted to Executive Directors in 2020, because no annual bonus in respect of the 2019/20 financial year was paid.
The PSP awards to be made in 2021 in respect of 2021/22 will remain in line with the remuneration policy. For the Group Chief Executive this will remain at the same level as the award level in 2020/21, namely 225% of salary. In recognition of the progression that the Group Finance Director has made in his role with regard to his personal performance and the increased complexity of the business in recent years, the award level for the Group Finance Director will increase from 175% of salary to 200% of salary which serves to close the gap to the market position for the role. The opportunity is only able to be realised if the corporate targets are met and five years after the awards have been granted. At the same time, the shareholding requirement for the Group Finance Director will increase from 175% to 200%. As a matter of best practice, before finalising the PSP award levels, the Committee considered the movements in the share price since the beginning of the 2020/21 financial year. As the share price had increased over the period and continues to trade strongly, it was felt appropriate to grant the PSP awards based on the normal percentage of salary.
The performance measures and their weighting for the award will remain the same as in 2020/21. The targets for the 2021/22 PSP award will be:
| % vesting as a proportion | Adjusted EPS One third |
Adjusted ROACE One third |
Relative TSR One third1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 40.0p | 13.1% | Upper quartile |
| Between 25% and 100% | 35.2-40.0p | 11.2-13.1% | Between median and upper quartile |
| 25% | 35.2p | 11.2% | Median |
Awards vest on a straight-line basis between threshold and maximum performance. The performance measurement period for the adjusted EPS and adjusted ROACE targets is the 2023/24 financial year and for the relative TSR target is the three years to 30 April 2024.
As set out on page 97, half of the value of the bonus to be paid in 2021 in respect of the performance over the financial year ended 30 April 2021, will be deferred into shares, which will not vest until 2024.
The table below sets out details of Executive Directors' outstanding share awards, both under the PSP and the DSBP, during the year under review. Unvested awards will vest in future years subject to performance and/or continued service. Vested awards will expire if not exercised before the relevant expiry date.
| Award date | Awards held at 30 April 2020 |
Granted | Dividend equivalents |
Exercised/ vested1 |
Lapsed/ forfeited |
Grant price for award (p)2 |
Market price on date of exercise (p) |
Awards held at 30 April 2021 |
Vesting date (if any performance conditions applicable are met) |
Expiry date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Roberts | |||||||||||
| PSP | 1 Jul 16 | 256,822 | – | – | – | – | 379.80 | – | 256,822 | 1 Jul 19 | 1 Jul 26 |
| PSP | 18 Jul 17 | 360,117 | – | 12,929 | 126,761 | 233,356 | 484.70 | – | 139,690 | 18 Jul 20 | 18 Jul 27 |
| PSP | 22 Jun 18 | 341,748 | – | – | – | – | 523.47 | – | 341,748 | 22 Jun 21 | 22 Jun 28 |
| PSP | 15 Jul 19 | 481,039 | – | – | – | – | 357.00 | – | 481,039 | 15 Jul 22 | 15 Jul 29 |
| PSP | 14 Jul 20 | – | 647,123 | – | – | – | 272.00 | – | 647,123 | 14 Jul 23 | 14 Jul 30 |
| DSBP | 1 Jul 16 | 156,676 | – | – | – | – | 379.80 | – | 156,676 | 1 Jul 19 | 1 Jul 26 |
| DSBP | 18 Jul 17 | 72,022 | – | 7,346 | 72,022 | – | 484.70 | – | 79,368 | 18 Jul 20 | 18 Jul 27 |
| DSBP | 22 Jun 18 | 132,849 | – | – | – | – | 523.47 | – | 132,849 | 22 Jun 21 | 22 Jun 28 |
| DSBP | 15 Jul 19 | 157,055 | – | – | – | – | 357.00 | – | 157,055 | 15 Jul 22 | 15 Jul 29 |
| 2,392,370 | |||||||||||
| Adrian Marsh | |||||||||||
| PSP | 18 Jul 17 | 175,977 | – | 6,318 | 68,261 | 114,034 | 484.70 | 383.00 | 0 | 18 Jul 20 | 18 Jul 27 |
| PSP | 22 Jun 18 | 167,015 | – | – | – | – | 523.47 | – | 167,015 | 22 Jun 21 | 22 Jun 28 |
| PSP | 15 Jul 19 | 235,098 | – | – | – | – | 357.00 | – | 235,098 | 15 Jul 22 | 15 Jul 29 |
| PSP | 14 Jul 20 | – | 316,286 | – | – | – | 272.00 | – | 316,286 | 14 Jul 23 | 14 Jul 30 |
| DSBP | 18 Jul 17 | 33,937 | – | 3,461 | 37,398 | – | 484.70 | 383.00 | 0 | 18 Jul 20 | 18 Jul 27 |
| DSBP | 22 Jun 18 | 62,603 | – | – | – | – | 523.47 | – | 62,603 | 22 Jun 21 | 22 Jun 28 |
| DSBP | 15 Jul 19 | 74,015 | – | – | – | – | 357.00 | – | 74,015 | 15 Jul 22 | 15 Jul 29 |
| 855,017 |
This includes the awards granted in 2017 which vested during 2020/21 and, in the case of Adrian Marsh, dividend equivalent shares and vested awards which were exercised during 2020/21. Adrian Marsh as at 30 April 2021 did not hold any vested but unexercised awards. Miles Roberts as at 30 April 2021 held awards granted on 1 July 2016 and 18 July 2017 which have now vested but have not been exercised.
The figure in this column is the average price of a DS Smith share for the three trading days preceding the award and is the price used in the calculation of the number of options originally awarded. The number of options originally awarded was subsequently adjusted for the rights issue in 2018 as described in the Annual Report for 2019.
The target ranges for the 2018/19 PSP awards are set out on page 98. The target ranges for the 2020/21 awards are set out on page 99. The relative TSR target for the 2019/20 award is the same as it was for the 2018/19 award. For the 2019/20 awards the target ranges for EPS and ROACE are set out in the audited table below.
| PSP plan | EPS range | ROACE range |
|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | 37.4p-42.0p | 12.4%-13.6% |
It is currently intended that any ordinary shares required to fulfil entitlements under the DSBP will be provided by Computershare Trustees (Jersey) Limited in its capacity as trustee of the employee benefit trust (the Trust), which buys shares to do so. The Trust may also be used to fulfil certain entitlements under the PSP and the employee sharesave plans or those may be fulfilled by newlyissued shares.
Our sharesave (SAYE) plans align our employees' interests with those of our long-term shareholders. Our commitment is to deliver an opportunity for our employees to be engaged with the strategic direction of DS Smith and to share in its financial success. Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the SAYE on the same terms as all other UK-based employees of the Company and participating subsidiaries of the Group. Options are granted under the SAYE, which, in the UK, is an HMRC tax-advantaged plan. Participants contract to save up to the equivalent of £250 per month over a period of three years (two years in the US). The current maximum permitted monthly saving of the equivalent of £250 is set by the Company. Under the applicable plan rules (and the remuneration policy) the monthly maximum could be increased in the future to up to the equivalent of £500 per month. The option price is discounted by up to 20% (15% in the US) of the average closing mid-market price of the Company's shares on the three dealing days prior to invitation (20-day average to the day before grant in France and the higher of the mid-market average price on the day before invitation and the mid-market average on the day before grant in the US). In common with most plans of this type, there are no performance conditions applicable to options granted under the SAYE.
| Name of Director | Options held at 30 April 2020 |
Options granted during the year |
Options exercised during the year |
Options lapsed during the year |
Market price on date of exercise (p) |
Options held at 30 April 2021 |
Exercise price (p) |
Date from which exercisable |
Expiry date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles Roberts | 2,899 | - | – | 2,899 | – | – | 310.351 | 1 Apr 20 | 30 Sep 20 |
| Miles Roberts | - | 2,769 | – | – | – | 2,769 | 325.00 | 1 Apr 24 | 30 Sep 24 |
| Adrian Marsh | 2,899 | - | – | 2,899 | – | – | 310.351 | 1 Apr 20 | 30 Sep 20 |
| Adrian Marsh | - | 2,769 | – | – | – | 2,769 | 325.00 | 1 Apr 24 | 30 Sep 24 |
Executive Directors are required to build a significant shareholding in the Company within five years from the date of their appointment. Executive Directors' shareholdings (including those of their connected persons) are summarised in the following audited table.
| Name of Director | Total shareholding as at 30 April 2020 |
Total shareholding as at 30 April 2021 |
Unvested only subject to continued employment1 |
Vested awards (not exercised)2 |
Shareholding required (% salary) |
Shareholding at 30 April 2021 (% salary)3 |
Requirement met |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Directors | |||||||
| Miles Roberts | 1,989,927 | 1,989,927 | 159,261 | 335,255 | 225% | 1,317% | Yes |
| Adrian Marsh | 521,996 | 577,889 | 75,052 | 0 | 175% | 551% | Yes |
Includes the deferred bonus shares awards granted in 2018 and 2019. A reduction to the gross award levels of 47% has been applied for the expected level of tax and social security deductions that will ultimately be due on these shares.
The awards granted on 1 July 2016 and 18 July 2017 which have now vested but have not been exercised by Miles Roberts. A reduction to the gross award levels of 47% has been applied for the expected level of tax and social security deductions that will ultimately be due on these shares.
Based on the salary as at 30 April 2021 and a share price of 420.8p (being the closing price on 30 April 2021) multiplied by the current year shareholding and interests in shares which count towards the shareholding requirement.
The PSP awards granted in 2019 and 2020 are unvested and remain subject to performance conditions so are not included in the above table as they do not count towards the shareholding requirement. Nil-cost options which have vested but have yet to be exercised are considered to count towards the shareholding requirement, other than any such shares that correspond to the estimated tax and national insurance contributions. Adrian Marsh as at 30 April 2021 did not hold any such vested but unexercised awards; but Miles Roberts did.
Failure to meet the minimum shareholding requirement is taken into account when determining eligibility for share-based incentive awards for Executive Directors. There have been no changes to the shareholdings set out above between the financial year-end and the date of this report.
Non-Executive Directors are required to build up a holding of 50% of their fees in shares within two years of their date of appointment. Non-Executive Directors' shareholdings (including those of their connected persons) are summarised in the following audited table:
| Name of Director | Total shareholding as at 30 April 2020 |
Total shareholding as at 30 April 2021 |
Shareholding required (% fee) |
Shareholding at 30 April 2021 (% fee)1 |
Requirement met |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Executive Directors | |||||
| Geoff Drabble2 | – | 60,000 | 50% | 77% | Yes2 |
| Gareth Davis3 | 136,054 | not applicable | not applicable | – | – |
| Celia Baxter4 | 10,993 | 10,993 | 50% | 61% | Yes4 |
| Chris Britton5 | 13,427 | not applicable | not applicable | – | – |
| Alina Kessel6 | – | 7,000 | 50% | 49% | not yet applicable6 |
| David Robbie | 20,000 | 20,000 | 50% | 111% | Yes |
| Louise Smalley | 18,600 | 18,600 | 50% | 129% | Yes |
| Rupert Soames | 28,800 | 28,800 | 50% | 172% | Yes |
Based on the fee as at 30 April 2021 and a share price of 420.8p (being the closing price on 30 April 2021) multiplied by the current year shareholding and interests in shares which count towards the shareholding requirement.
Geoff Drabble joined the Board with effect from 1 September 2020 and became Chairman with effect from 3 January 2021. He has not yet been on the Board for two years.
Gareth Davis stepped down from the Board with effect from 3 January 2021. At that date his shareholding was 136,054 shares.
The Board supports Executive Directors taking up appointments outside the Company to broaden their knowledge and experience. Each Executive Director is permitted to accept one non-executive appointment (or in exceptional circumstances two appointments) from which they may retain any fee. Any external appointment must not conflict with a Director's duties and commitments to DS Smith.
Miles Roberts is a non-executive director of Aggreko plc and retained fees of £61,000 for the year ended 30 April 2021 (£61,000 for the year ended 30 April 2020). Adrian Marsh is a non-executive director of John Wood Group PLC and retained fees of £61,975 for the year ended 30 April 2021 (£56,557 for the year ended 30 April 2020).
| Date of contract/date of initial appointment to the Board |
Expiry date of current term for Non-Executive Directors |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Drabble | Chairman | 1 September 2020 | 31 August 2023 |
| Miles Roberts | Group Chief Executive | 4 May 2010 | not applicable |
| Adrian Marsh | Group Finance Director | 24 September 2013 | not applicable |
| Celia Baxter | Chairman of Remuneration Committee | 9 October 2019 | 8 October 2022 |
| Alina Kessel | 1 May 2020 | 30 April 2023 | |
| David Robbie | Chairman of Audit Committee | 11 April 2019 | 10 April 2022 |
| Louise Smalley | 23 June 2014 | 22 June 2022 | |
| Rupert Soames | Senior Independent Director | 1 March 2019 | 28 February 2022 |
Miles Roberts and Adrian Marsh each have a notice period of 12 months exercisable by either the Company or the individual. Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment for an initial term of three years whereupon they are normally renewed. The current terms of the Non-Executive Directors are set out in the table above. The notice period is one month exercisable by either the Company or the Non-Executive Director. Non-Executive Directors are not eligible for payments on termination. In line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all Directors (including Non-Executive Directors) are subject to annual re-election by shareholders at the AGM. Their letters of appointment detail the time commitment expected of each Non-Executive Director. Both these and the Executive Directors' service contracts are available for inspection at the registered office during normal business hours and at each AGM.
No payments were made to past Executive Directors during the year ended 30 April 2021 (2019/20: Nil). No payments were made in respect of loss of office during the year ended 30 April 2021 (2019/20: Nil).
The table below shows the expenditure and percentage change in overall spend on employee remuneration and dividends.
| 2020/21 £m |
2019/20 £m |
Percentage change |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall expenditure on employee pay1 | 1,363 | 1,312 | 3.9% |
| Dividend paid during the year | 0 | 222 | n/a |
The table below shows the total remuneration figure for the Group Chief Executive for each of the last ten financial years. The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus and long-term incentive awards which vested, based on performance in those years. The annual bonus and long-term incentive awards percentages show the payout for each year as a percentage of the maximum available for the financial year.
| 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/201 | 2020/21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total remuneration (£'000) |
2,170 | 6,057 | 3,696 | 5,527 | 4,447 | 4,861 | 4,220 | 3,065 | 1,422 | 2,525 |
| Annual bonus | 100% | 82% | 85% | 88% | 79% | 45% | 88% | 74% | 0% | 98% |
| Long-term incentive vesting |
100% | 100% | 98% | 92% | 94% | 100% | 93% | 52% | 35% | 0% |
The graph above illustrates the Company's TSR performance since 1 May 2011 (the period required by the applicable regulations), relative to the FTSE 100 Index as well as the FTSE 250 Index. In December 2017 the Company joined the FTSE 100 Index from the FTSE 250 Index. Therefore, both indices are considered appropriate comparator indices for the Company. As at 30 April 2021 DS Smith ranked 87 by market capitalisation. This graph looks at the value, over the ten years to 30 April 2021, of an initial investment of £100 in DS Smith shares compared with that of £100 invested in both the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 Index. The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year ends.
| 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total pay ratio | Total pay ratio | Total pay ratio | ||
| 2018/19 | 100:1 | 91:1 | 72:1 | |
| 2019/20 | 52:1 | 44:1 | 35:1 | |
| 2020/21 | 90:1 | 71:1 | 60:1 |
The table above sets out how the single total figure of remuneration (STFR) for the Group Chief Executive compares to the STFR of the UK employees at the 25th percentile, median and 75th percentile. In last year's Annual Report the ratios for 2019/20 were calculated using the average share price in the last three months of the financial year as an estimate for the value of the 2017/18 PSP. Those figures have been restated to include the actual share price on the next working day following the date of vesting for the 2017/18 PSP on Saturday 18 July 2020 now that this is known. All STFRs for the 2020/21 financial year have been based on full-time equivalent values and annualised where necessary. The table below sets out the split between total remuneration (fixed and variable pay and benefits) and the salary component of that total for UK employees used in the above total pay ratio calculations.
| 25th percentile pay ratio | Median pay ratio | 75th percentile pay ratio | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total remuneration (£) | Base salary (£) | Total remuneration (£) | Base salary (£) | Total remuneration (£) | Base salary (£) | ||
| 2018/19 | 30,744 | 26,608 | 33,804 | 32,051 | 42,277 | 31,622 | |
| 2019/20 | 27,244 | 26,647 | 32,342 | 31,479 | 40,349 | 36,202 | |
| 2020/21 | 28,042 | 25,729 | 35,384 | 33,566 | 42,142 | 39,756 |
DS Smith has chosen to use methodology B (as defined in the applicable regulations) which is to use the 2020 UK gender pay gap data to identify the relevant comparator employee falling at the relevant percentile and to calculate the annual total remuneration relating to 2020/21 for the three identified employees on the same basis as the Group Chief Executive's annual total remuneration for the same period in the single figure table. In 2020/21, there were multiple bonus plans in place across the UK which are not payable in some cases in advance of the Directors' remuneration report being approved by the Board. It was therefore not practical to collate the bonus amounts relating to performance during 2020/21 for every UK employee in advance of the report being approved. We are confident that the three employee STFR figures (which include applicable bonus) used in the pay ratio reporting are as representative of the respective percentiles as would have been the case if the 2020/21 STFR had been calculated for all UK employees. (The data reference date was 12 May 2021.)
The increase in the ratio since last year is driven by the higher level of vesting overall for the Group Chief Executive in 2020/21 (annual bonus of 98% and PSP of 0%) compared with 2019/20 (annual bonus of 0% and PSP of 35%). As a result of the large proportion of variable pay in the Group Chief Executive's total reward, the ratio will be subject to a high degree of volatility from one year to the next.
We will continue to report on trends in these figures, which are expected to fluctuate as variable pay outcomes fluctuate for the Group Chief Executive. The Company does believe that the median pay ratio for 2020/21 is consistent with the pay, reward and progression policies for UK employees taken as a whole.
The table below shows the percentage change in three aspects of remuneration (salary or fee, benefits and bonus) for the Group Chief Executive, the Group Finance Director and the Non-Executive Directors who were Directors at 30 April 2021 compared to full-time equivalent employees of the Company. (The format of the table is prescribed by regulation. Benefits and bonus are not applicable to Non-Executive Directors. The increase in fees for certain Non-Executive Directors relates to their change of role in the applicable period, as noted below.) The column headed '% change 2020/21' sets out the change from financial year 2019/20 to financial year 2020/21. The normal date for any implementation of a pay review is 1 August, not the start of the financial year. However, as explained on page 95, for Directors (unlike employees in the wider Group) there was not a pay or fee increase in August 2020, but there was a pay increase with effect from 1 January 2021 for Executive Directors and Company employees.
| Salary/Fee | Benefits | Bonus % change 2020/21 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| % change 2020/21 |
% change 2020/21 |
||
| Miles Roberts | 1.1 | (1.2)4 | n/a5 |
| Adrian Marsh | 1.1 | (2.3)4 | n/a5 |
| Geoff Drabble1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Celia Baxter 2 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
| Alina Kessel1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| David Robbie3 | 8.1 | n/a | n/a |
| Rupert Soames3 | 5.9 | n/a | n/a |
| Louise Smalley | 0.6 | n/a | n/a |
| Company employees | 2.0 | 1.34 | n/a5 |
Geoff Drabble joined the Board on 1 September 2020 and became Chairman with effect from 3 January 2021, and Alina Kessel joined the Board on 1 May 2020 so they have no prior year to compare 2020/21 with.
Celia Baxter joined the Board on 9 October 2019 (part way through 2019/20), so to provide a meaningful comparison her fees received for 2019/20 have been annualised.
Rupert Soames became Senior Independent Director and David Robbie became Audit Committee Chairman on 3 September 2019 (part way through 2019/20), hence the increase in their fees due to the change in their roles, part way through the prior comparison year.
Minor changes in health cover and gym membership accounted for the change in taxable benefits .
Miles Roberts and Adrian Marsh and Company employees (unlike some employees in the wider Group) did not receive a bonus in 2019/20.
At the AGM held in 2020 votes cast by proxy and at the meeting were as follows:
| Votes in favour | Votes against | |
|---|---|---|
| In respect of the remuneration policy | 916,656,836 (93.13%) | 67,569,543 (6.87%) |
| In respect of the Directors' remuneration report | 956,409,527 (94.86%) | 51,858,006 (5.14%) |
There were 24,228,039 votes withheld on the remuneration policy resolution and 186,885 votes withheld on the Directors' remuneration report resolution. Votes withheld are votes that are not recognised as a vote in law.
The Board is ultimately accountable for executive remuneration and delegates this responsibility to the Remuneration Committee. The Committee's principal function is to support the Group's strategy by ensuring that its delivery is underpinned by the Company's overall remuneration policy, as described earlier in this report. It also determines the specific remuneration package, including service contracts and pension arrangements, for each Executive Director and our most senior executives, as well as the fees paid to the Chairman. The Remuneration Committee's Terms of Reference can be found at www.dssmith.com/investors/corporate-governance/committees/
Each of these responsibilities impacts the other. The Committee is very conscious of the importance of the wider context in which it operates in discharging these responsibilities.
| Members | Since |
|---|---|
| Celia Baxter (Chairman since October 2019) | 2019 |
| Geoff Drabble | 2020 |
| Alina Kessel | 2020 |
| David Robbie | 2019 |
| Louise Smalley | 2014 |
| Rupert Soames | 2019 |
Chris Britton retired from the Board and its Committees on 8 September 2020. Gareth Davis retired from the Board and its Committees on 3 January 2021. Geoff Drabble joined the Committee on his appointment to the Board on 1 September 2020.
Details of individual Directors' attendance can be found on page 70. The Group General Counsel and Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.
All members of the Committee are independent Non-Executive Directors. This is fundamental to ensuring Executive Directors' and senior executives' remuneration is set by people who are independent and have no personal financial interest, other than as shareholders, in the matters discussed. There are no potential conflicts of interest arising from cross-directorships and there is no day-to-day involvement in running the business. The Committee consults with the Group Chief Executive, who may attend meetings of the Committee, although he is not involved in deciding his own remuneration. The Committee is assisted by the Group Head of Reward, the Deputy Company Secretary, the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary and the Group Human Resources Director. No-one is allowed to participate in any matter directly concerning the details of their own remuneration or conditions of service.
As described earlier in the report, the Company has discussed with the EWC Executive matters relating to Executive Directors' remuneration. When considering matters relating to the remuneration of the Executive Directors, the Committee takes into account the overall approach to reward for, and the pay and employment conditions of, other employees in the Group.
To differentiate our employee value proposition and reinforce our strong DS Smith culture, the Group has developed the DS Smith reward principles (set out on page 89) which are endorsed by the Committee and were last reviewed by the Committee in 2021. Current policies and future decision making are matched against these to drive continuous improvement in this area.
In January 2021, following a thorough tender process, Korn Ferry were appointed as the Committee's advisers. During the financial year of 2020/21 the Committee was advised by Korn Ferry in relation to various aspects of the remuneration of Executive Directors for which they were paid £8,250, partly on a fixed fee basis and partly on a time and materials basis. Korn Ferry in the financial year 2020/21 has also provided executive search and talent assessment services to the Group. The teams providing this advice are separate from the Remuneration Committee advisers and there was no conflict of interest. During the financial year of 2020/21 the Committee was also advised by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) on the remuneration of Executive Directors and other senior executives. PwC had been appointed by the Committee as its advisers in January 2018. The total fees in respect of PwC's services to the Remuneration Committee during the year were £4,000. These fees were incurred on a time and materials basis. PwC provided advice to the Company in connection with the accounting charge for the Company's share-based incentive plans and to different parts of the Group on tax and other advisory and consultancy matters. The teams providing this advice are separate from the Remuneration Committee advisers and there was no conflict of interest. The Committee is satisfied that the advice it receives from its advisers is objective and independent. Korn Ferry and PwC are both members of the Remuneration Consultants Group and adhere to the Code of Conduct for Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com).
This report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements, including those of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (Regulations). The Regulations require the Auditor to report to shareholders on the audited information within this report and to state whether, in their opinion, the relevant sections have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. The Auditor's opinion is set out in the Independent Auditor's report and we have clearly marked the audited sections of this annual report on remuneration.
On behalf of the Board
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
21 June 2021
Acquisitions and disposals in the year ended 30 April 2021 are described in note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.
There are no subsequent events after the reporting date which require disclosure.
Details of the issued share capital and the rights and restrictions attached to the shares, together with details of movements in the Company's issued share capital during the year, are shown in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to the Company's employee share option schemes, 808,816 ordinary shares of 10 pence each were issued during the year. Between 1 May and 21 June 2021 inclusive, 165,155 shares were issued pursuant to the Company's employee share option schemes. The Company has not utilised its authority to make market purchases of 137,273,253 shares granted to it at the 2020 annual general meeting (AGM) but, in line with market practice, will be seeking to renew such authority at this year's AGM.
The trustee of the employee benefit trust, which is used to purchase shares on behalf of the Company as described in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements, has the power to vote or not vote, at its absolute discretion, in respect of any shares in the Company held unallocated in that trust. However, in accordance with good practice, the trustee adopts a policy of not voting in respect of such shares. The trustee has a dividend waiver in place in respect of shares which are the beneficial property of the trust.
An interim dividend for 2020/21 of 4.0 pence per ordinary share was paid on 4 May 2021 and the Directors recommend a final dividend of 8.1 pence per ordinary share, which together with the interim dividend, increases the total dividend for the year to 12.1 pence per ordinary share (2019/20: nil). Subject to approval of shareholders at the AGM to be held on 7 September 2021, the final dividend will be paid on 1 November 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8 October 2021.
No political donations were made during the year ended 30 April 2021 (2019/20: nil). DS Smith has a policy of not making donations to political organisations or independent election candidates or incurring political expenditure, as defined in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, anywhere in the world.
The Company has purchased and maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of Directors' and officers' liabilities. The Company has also entered into qualifying third-party indemnity arrangements for the benefit of all its Directors and qualifying third-party indemnity arrangements have been entered into by a subsidiary of the Company for the benefit of certain directors of companies within the Group, all in a form and scope which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act). These indemnities were in force throughout the year and up to the date of this Annual Report.
In our Strategic Report on pages 24 to 29 we set out some of the ways in which we realise the potential of our people, including how we engage with our workforce. As part of creating a modern, diverse and inclusive culture all companies within the Group strive to operate fairly at all times and this includes not permitting discrimination against any employee, applicant for employment or contingent worker on the basis of race, religion or belief, colour, gender, disability, national origin, age, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or any other characteristic protected by local law. This also includes giving full and fair consideration to suitable applications for employment from disabled persons, making reasonable adjustments in the hiring process to ensure fairness and equity in the selection process. For existing employees who develop a disability we will make all reasonable adjustments to support their continued employment, in their same job or, if this is not practicable, making every effort to find suitable alternative employment and to provide relevant training and career development opportunity.
Through the Group's engagement survey, via our European Works Council which brings together employee representatives from the different European countries where we operate, as well as through site and team meetings and briefing newsletters, the Group provides employees with various opportunities to obtain information on matters of concern to them, to improve their awareness of the financial and economic factors that affect the performance of the Group and to provide their feedback.
Information provided to the Company pursuant to the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (DTRs) is published on a Regulatory Information Service and on the Company's website. The following information has been received, in accordance with DTR 5, from holders of notifiable interests in the Company's issued share capital.
| As at 30 April 2021 | As at 21 June 2021 | Nature of holding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviva plc and its subsidiaries | 7.96% | 6.79% | Direct & indirect |
| Standard Life Aberdeen | 5.44% | 5.44% | Indirect |
| BlackRock, Inc. | Below 5% | Below 5% | Indirect |
| Norges Bank | 4.98% | 4.98% | Direct |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its group | 4.981% | 4.981% | Direct & indirect |
| Black Creek Investment Management Inc. | 3.994585% | 4.034428% | Direct & Indirect |
| Merpas (UK) Limited | 2.985% | 2.985% | Direct & indirect |
Each of the persons who is a Director at the date of the approval of this Annual Report confirms that:
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.
A resolution to reappoint Deloitte LLP as Auditor will be proposed at the forthcoming AGM.
Certain information is included in our Strategic Report (pages 1 to 61) or financial statements that would otherwise be required to be disclosed in this section of the report. This is as follows:
| Subject matter | Page |
|---|---|
| Likely future developments in the business | 6 to 13 |
| Research and development | 16 |
| Use of financial instruments | 45 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions | 33 |
As is customary, our principal financing facilities incorporate market standard change of control clauses.
A complete list of the Group's subsidiaries is set out in note 33 to the consolidated financial statements to comply with s409 of the Act. Companies within the Group have branches in Hungary, Norway, Poland, Ireland and Slovakia.
The information that fulfils the requirements of the corporate governance statement for the purposes of DTR 7 can be found on pages 62 to 83, and that governance report also forms part of the Directors' report.
The Strategic Report on pages 1 to 61 and the governance report and Directors' Remuneration Report on pages 62 to 109 together represent the management report for the purpose of compliance with DTR 4.1.8R.
The Directors' report was approved by the Board of Directors on 21 June 2021 and is signed on its behalf by:
Group General Counsel and Company Secretary
21 June 2021
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare such financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors are required to prepare the Group financial statements in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The Group financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ( IASB). The Directors have also chosen to prepare the parent Company financial statements in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing the parent Company financial statements, the Directors are required to:
In preparing the Group financial statements, International Accounting Standard 1 requires that Directors:
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company's website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 21 June 2021 and is signed on its behalf by:
| Miles Roberts | Adrian Marsh |
|---|---|
| Group Chief Executive | Group Finance Director |
21 June 2021
21 June 2021
In our opinion:
We have audited the financial statements which comprise :
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law, international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the parent Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101Reduced Disclosure Framework (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.
We are independent of the Group and the parent Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council's (the 'FRC's') Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. The non-audit services provided to the Group and parent Company for the year are disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements. We confirm that the non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the parent Company.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
| Key audit matters |
The key audit matters that we identified in the current and previous year were: • Classification and presentation of adjusting items; and • Valuation of uncertain tax position provisions |
|---|---|
| Within this report, key audit matters are identified as follows: | |
| Newly identified | |
| Increased level of risk | |
| Similar level of risk | |
| Decreased level of risk | |
| Materiality | The materiality that we used for the Group financial statements was £20m (2020: £23m) which was determined on the basis of 0.33% of revenue (2020: 5% of profit before tax and adjusting items). |
| We have revised our approach to materiality basis from the prior year due to increased volatility in profit in the current year resulting from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Group's operations and consumer demand in the markets in which the Group operates. |
|
| Scoping | Our full scope audits and specified audit procedures resulted in coverage of 73% (2020: 71%) of the Group's revenue and 83% (2020: 81%) of the Group's profit before tax and adjusting items. |
| Significant changes in our approach |
As at the date of issuance of the 2020 annual report and financial statements, the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic could have on the Group's results was relatively unknown. This had an impact on going concern and as a result, going concern was identified as a key audit matter in the previous year. For the 2021 audit, the Group's financial position and performance have warranted a decrease in the significance of the risk related to the going concern assumption and therefore we no longer consider going concern to represent a key audit matter. |
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Our evaluation of the Directors' assessment of the Group's and parent Company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included:
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's and parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
In relation to the reporting on how the Group has applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the Directors' statement in the financial statements about whether the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Key audit matter description The classification and presentation of costs and income within adjusting items in the income statement is a key determinant in assessing the quality of the Group's earnings and also presents the opportunity for management bias in the presentation of results. Management judgement is required in determining the accounting policy for identifying if an item is adjusting based on the size, nature and incidence of the item. Additionally, this is an area that attracts greater scrutiny from the financial reporting regulator.
For the year ended 30 April 2021, the Group recognised net adjusting items before taxation in continuing operations of £56m (2020: £69m) and net adjusting income in discontinued operations of £12m (2020: £227m).
Refer to note 4 for details of adjusting items in the year and note 1(x) for management's policy for identifying adjusting items and note 1(aa) where adjusting items are identified as a critical accounting judgement. The classification and presentation of adjusting items is also considered to be a significant matter for the Audit Committee (page 81).
| How the scope | As a response to the identified key audit matter, we performed the following audit procedures: |
|---|---|
| of our audit responded to the key audit |
• We obtained an understanding of relevant controls in respect of the classification and presentation of adjusting items; |
| matter | • We considered and challenged the appropriateness and classification of the items which are included within adjusting items by testing a sample and agreeing them back to relevant supporting documentation; |
| • We tested and considered items within underlying results which may be adjusting by nature but not separately identified; |
|
| • We assessed the appropriateness of the adjusting items recorded in accordance with management's policy and the latest guidance from the FRC; and |
|
| • We assessed the related disclosure in the Group financial statements for consistency with the prior period and current market best practice. |
|
| Key observations |
We are satisfied that the amounts classified as adjusting items are in accordance with the Group's accounting policy and the related disclosure of these items in the financial statements is appropriate. |
| 5.2. Valuation of uncertain tax position provisions | |
| Key audit matter description |
The value of the tax provisions against a number of uncertain tax positions requires judgement in relation to the likely outcome of negotiations with various tax authorities. Areas of particular focus included transfer pricing provisioning and other uncertain tax positions in the UK and overseas. |
| Refer to note 1(w) for management's process for estimating and recording tax provisions and note 1(z) for further detail in respect of the range of possible outcomes with regards to those uncertain tax positions. Taxation is also identified in note 1(z) as a key source of estimation uncertainty and to be a significant matter for the Audit Committee (page 81). |
|
| How the scope | We obtained an understanding of relevant controls in respect of the provisioning for uncertain tax positions. |
| of our audit responded to the key audit matter |
We involved our tax specialists, including those in local jurisdictions as required, to challenge the estimates and judgements made by management when calculating the income tax payable in each territory and the associated provisions held in relation to tax exposures. This included consideration of tax exposures relating to transfer pricing and consideration of specific provisions made in relation to UK tax risks. Specifically, we have reviewed the correspondence with the taxation authorities in significant locations and the supporting evidence or opinions received from external counsel or other advisors where management has utilised such opinions to estimate the likely outcome of technical tax treatments in order to assess the reasonableness of the provisions made. |
| Key observations |
We are satisfied that the estimates and judgements made by management used in calculating the tax charge and recording the associated tax provisions are reasonable. |
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
| Group financial statements | Parent Company financial statements | |
|---|---|---|
| Materiality | £20m (2020: £23m) | £10.0m (2020: £8m) |
| Basis for determining materiality |
We have used revenue as the benchmark in determining materiality (2020: profit before tax and adjusting items) and the materiality equates to 0.33% of revenue (2020: approximately 5% of profit before tax and adjusting items). |
Parent Company materiality equates to less than 1% (2020: less than 1%) of net assets, and is capped at 50% (2020: less than 50%) of Group materiality. |
| The materiality equates to less than 1% (2020: less than 1%) of net assets. It also equates to approximately 7.0% of statutory profit before tax and adjusting items (2020: 5.3%). |
||
| Rationale for the benchmark applied |
In light of the impact of Covid-19 on the Group we consider revenue to be a more stable benchmark for the business this year given the Group has not significantly changed in size and scale during the current year. The profit-related benchmarks for the Group are impacted by Covid-19 and are volatile from one period to the next, and therefore they are not representative of the overall size of the business in the current year. |
Net assets is typically considered an appropriate benchmark for materiality as the parent Company is the holding company, but given the quantum of net assets on the parent Company balance sheet, we have limited materiality to 40% of Group materiality. |
| Adjusted prot Group materiality |
Adjusted profit £474.5m | Group materiality £20m Component materiality not more than £6.5m Audit Committee reporting threshold £1.0m |
We set performance materiality at a level lower than materiality to reduce the probability that, in aggregate, uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceed the materiality for the financial statements as a whole.
| Group financial statements | Parent Company financial statements | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance materiality |
65% (2020: 70%) of Group materiality | 65% (2020: 70%) of parent Company materiality |
| Basis and rationale for determining performance materiality |
We have determined performance materiality as 65% (2020 – 70%) of Group materiality to reflect a tolerable error due to Covid-19 and factoring in the risk of uncertainty due to the pandemic, we have also considered the basis of our risk assessment, our assessment of the Group's control environment, the low number and quantum of corrected and uncorrected misstatements identified and management's willingness to correct misstatements that may be identified. Accordingly, we set performance materiality for the Group at £13.0m (2020: £16m) and Parent Company at £6.5m (2020 - £5.6m). |
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £1m (2020: £1m), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the financial statements.
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls, and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level.
The Group operates in four geographic segments, three in Europe (Northern Europe, Eastern Europe and Southern Europe) and one in North America.
Based on that assessment, we focused our Group audit scope primarily on the audit work at eleven components (2020: twelve) located in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, North America, Italy and Sweden. These eleven components represent the principal business units within the Group's key reportable segments and accordingly provide an appropriate basis for undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement. In addition to the components we have primarily focussed on during the year as outlined above, and reflecting changes to the composition of the Group, a full scope audit has also been performed at the largest components located in Poland, Denmark, Hungary and the Netherlands. Component materiality was capped at £6.5m (2020: £8m). In total, these components accounted for 73% (2020: 71%) of revenue and 83% (2020: 81%) of profit before tax and adjusting items.
The Group audit team takes an active part in the conduct of the audits at these components. For each component, we included the component audit team in our team briefings held over video conference call facilities to discuss the Group risk assessment and audit instructions, to confirm their understanding of the business, and to discuss their local risk assessment. Throughout the audit, we maintained regular contact in order to support, challenge and direct their audit approach. We also remotely attended local audit close meetings with local management, performed remote reviews of their working papers, and reviewed their reporting to us of the findings from their work.
At the head office level, we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures to verify our conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information of the remaining components not subject to audit.
Our approach to controls testing across the Group reflects the geographical spread of the Group, its decentralised nature and the complex systems landscape. We do not take a centralised approach to controls testing and controls reliance across the Group. A number of component audit teams took a controls reliance approach in respect of some business process cycles (e.g. revenue) whilst other components do not. The ability to take controls reliance is impacted by the effectiveness of IT controls in place. We involved IT specialists in performing the tests related to IT controls.
No significant deficiencies have been noted in respect of the controls testing across the Group.
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
As explained more fully in the Directors' responsibilities statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud related to the classification and presentation of adjusting items. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Group operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act, Listing Rules, pensions legislation and tax legislation.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Group's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. These included the regulatory solvency requirements and environmental regulations.
As a result of performing the above, we identified classification and presentation of adjusting items as a key audit matter. The key audit matters section of our report explains the matter in more detail and also describes the specific procedures we performed in response to that key audit matter.
In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members including internal specialists and significant component audit teams, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
In our opinion the part of the Directors' remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the parent Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the Directors' report.
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors' statement in relation to going concern, longer-term viability and that part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group's compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review.
Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit:
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of Directors' remuneration have not been made or the part of the Directors' remuneration report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the shareholders on 13 October 2006 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2007 and subsequent financial periods. Following a competitive tender process, we were reappointed as auditor for the year ended 30 April 2014 and subsequent financial years. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments of the firm is 15 years, covering the years ended 30 April 2007 to 30 April 2021.
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
(Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP Statutory Auditor London, United Kingdom 21 June 2021
| Before adjusting items 2021 |
Adjusting items 2021 (note 4) |
After adjusting items 2021 |
Before adjusting items 2020 |
Adjusting items 2020 (note 4) |
After adjusting items 2020 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations Revenue |
Note 2 |
£m 5,976 |
£m – |
£m 5,976 |
£m 6,043 |
£m – |
£m 6,043 |
| Operating costs | 3,4 | (5,474) | (44) | (5,518) | (5,383) | (58) | (5,441) |
| Operating profit before amortisation, | |||||||
| acquisitions and divestments | 2 | 502 | (44) | 458 | 660 | (58) | 602 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets; acquisitions and divestments |
10, 4 | (142) | (5) | (147) | (143) | (4) | (147) |
| Operating profit | 4 | 360 | (49) | 311 | 517 | (62) | 455 |
| Finance income | 5 | 1 | – | 1 | 4 | – | 4 |
| Finance costs | 5, 4 | (76) | (7) | (83) | (88) | (7) | (95) |
| Employment benefit net finance expense | 25 | (3) | – | (3) | (3) | – | (3) |
| Net financing costs | (78) | (7) | (85) | (87) | (7) | (94) | |
| Profit after financing costs | 282 | (56) | 226 | 430 | (69) | 361 | |
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax |
13 | 5 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 7 |
| Profit before income tax | 287 | (56) | 231 | 437 | (69) | 368 | |
| Income tax (expense)/credit | 7, 4 | (65) | 16 | (49) | (92) | 14 | (78) |
| Profit for the year from continuing operations | 222 | (40) | 182 | 345 | (55) | 290 | |
| Discontinued operations | |||||||
| Profit for the year from discontinued operations, net of tax |
30(b) | – | 12 | 12 | 10 | 227 | 237 |
| Profit for the year | 222 | (28) | 194 | 355 | 172 | 527 | |
| Profit for the year attributable to: | |||||||
| Owners of the parent | 222 | (28) | 194 | 355 | 172 | 527 | |
| Non-controlling interests | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Earnings per share | |||||||
| Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations | |||||||
| Basic | 8 | 14.2p | 38.5p | ||||
| Diluted | 8 | 14.1p | 38.2p | ||||
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | |||||||
| Basic | 8 | 13.3p | 21.2p | ||||
| Diluted | 8 | 13.2p | 21.0p | ||||
| Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations | |||||||
| Basic | 8, 33 | 24.2p | 33.2p | ||||
| Diluted | 8 | 24.1p | 33.0p |
| Note | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 194 | 527 | |
| Items which will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | |||
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | 25 | (5) | (46) |
| Equity interest at FVTOCI – net change in fair value | (3) | – | |
| Income tax on items which will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | 7 | (5) | 15 |
| Items which may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | |||
| Foreign currency translation differences | (95) | 39 | |
| Reclassification from translation reserve to income statement arising on divestment | – | (30) | |
| Cash flow hedges fair value changes | 103 | (31) | |
| Reclassification from cash flow hedge reserve to income statement | 9 | (1) | |
| Movement in net investment hedge | (2) | (23) | |
| Income tax on items which may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss | 7 | (21) | 11 |
| Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax | (19) | (66) | |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | 175 | 461 | |
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the parent | 175 | 461 | |
| Non-controlling interests | – | – |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | Note | £m | £m |
| Non-current assets | |||
| Intangible assets | 10 | 2,995 | 3,197 |
| Biological assets | 9 | 9 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 11 | 3,050 | 3,042 |
| Right-of-use assets | 12 | 226 | 256 |
| Equity accounted investments | 13 | 38 | 35 |
| Other investments | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Deferred tax assets | 22 | 37 | 77 |
| Other receivables | 16 | 1 | 19 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 21 | 35 | 27 |
| Total non-current assets | 6,404 | 6,674 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | 15 | 537 | 518 |
| Biological assets | 6 | 6 | |
| Income tax receivable | 41 | 42 | |
| Trade and other receivables | 16 | 818 | 753 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 19 | 813 | 595 |
| Derivative financial instruments | 21 | 80 | 34 |
| Assets classified as held for sale | 1 | 3 | |
| Total current assets | 2,296 | 1,951 | |
| Total assets | 8,700 | 8,625 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Borrowings | 20 | (2,066) | (2,300) |
| Employee benefits | 25 | (175) | (199) |
| Other payables | 17 | (15) | (15) |
| Provisions | 23 | (8) | (12) |
| Lease liabilities | 12 | (159) | (182) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 22 | (271) | (305) |
| Derivative financial instruments | 21 | (15) | (41) |
| Total non-current liabilities | (2,709) | (3,054) | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Bank overdrafts | 19 | (94) | (90) |
| Borrowings | 20 | (235) | (98) |
| Trade and other payables | 17 | (1,834) | (1,708) |
| Income tax liabilities | (133) | (149) | |
| Provisions | 23 | (48) | (58) |
| Lease liabilities | 12 | (71) | (73) |
| Derivative financial instruments | 21 | (41) | (44) |
| Total current liabilities | (2,456) | (2,220) | |
| Total liabilities | (5,165) | (5,274) | |
| Net assets | 3,535 | 3,351 | |
| Equity Issued capital |
24 | 137 | 137 |
| Share premium | 2,241 | 2,238 | |
| Reserves | 24 | 1,155 | 975 |
| Total equity attributable to owners of the parent | 3,533 | 3,350 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 2 | 1 | |
| Total equity | 3,535 | 3,351 | |
Approved by the Board of Directors of DS Smith Plc on 21 June 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
| M W Roberts | A R T Marsh |
|---|---|
| Director | Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| Note | Share capital £m |
Share premium £m |
Hedging reserve £m |
Translation reserve £m |
Own shares £m |
Retained earnings 1£m |
Total equity attributable to owners of the parent £m |
Non controlling interests £m |
Total equity £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2019 | 137 | 2,236 | (13) | 23 | (1) | 729 | 3,111 | 1 | 3,112 | |
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | – | – | 527 | 527 | – | 527 | |
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | 25 | – | – | – | – | – | (46) | (46) | – | (46) |
| Foreign currency translation differences | – | – | – | 39 | – | – | 39 | – | 39 | |
| Reclassification from translation reserve to income statement arising on divestment |
30(a) | – | – | – | (30) | – | – | (30) | – | (30) |
| Cash flow hedges fair value changes | – | – | (31) | – | – | – | (31) | – | (31) | |
| Reclassification from cash flow hedge | ||||||||||
| reserve to income statement | 21(c) | – | – | (1) | – | – | – | (1) | – | (1) |
| Movement in net investment hedge | – | – | – | (23) | – | – | (23) | – | (23) | |
| Income tax on other comprehensive income | – | – | 6 | 5 | – | 15 | 26 | – | 26 | |
| Total comprehensive (expense)/ income | – | – | (26) | (9) | – | 496 | 461 | – | 461 | |
| Issue of share capital | – | 2 | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | 2 | |
| Employee share trust | – | – | – | – | (2) | (2) | (4) | – | (4) | |
| Share-based payment expense (net of tax) |
– | – | – | – | – | 2 | 2 | – | 2 | |
| Dividends paid | 9 | – | – | – | – | – | (222) | (222) | – | (222) |
| Other changes in equity in the year | – | 2 | – | – | (2) | (222) | (222) | – | (222) | |
| At 30 April 2020 | 137 | 2,238 | (39) | 14 | (3) | 1,003 | 3,350 | 1 | 3,351 | |
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | – | – | 194 | 194 | – | 194 | |
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | – | – | – | – | – | (5) | (5) | – | (5) | |
| Equity interest at FVTOCI – change in fair value |
– | – | – | – | – | (3) | (3) | – | (3) | |
| Foreign currency translation differences | – | – | – | (95) | – | – | (95) | – | (95) | |
| Cash flow hedges fair value changes | – | – | 103 | – | – | – | 103 | – | 103 | |
| Reclassification from cash flow hedge reserve to income statement |
– | – | 9 | – | – | – | 9 | – | 9 | |
| Movement in net investment hedge | – | – | – | (2) | – | – | (2) | – | (2) | |
| Income tax on other comprehensive income | – | – | (20) | (1) | – | (5) | (26) | – | (26) | |
| Total comprehensive income/(expense) | – | – | 92 | (98) | – | 181 | 175 | – | 175 | |
| Issue of share capital | – | 3 | – | – | – | – | 3 | – | 3 | |
| Employee share trust | – | – | – | – | – | (2) | (2) | – | (2) | |
| Share-based payment expense (net of tax) |
– | – | – | – | – | 10 | 10 | – | 10 | |
| Transactions with non-controlling interests | – | – | – | – | – | (3) | (3) | 1 | (2) | |
| Other changes in equity in the year | – | 3 | – | – | – | 5 | 8 | 1 | 9 | |
| At 30 April 2021 | 137 | 2,241 | 53 | (84) | (3) | 1,189 | 3,533 | 2 | 3,535 | |
| Continuing operations | Note | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating activities | |||
| Cash generated from operations | 27 | 895 | 836 |
| Interest received | 1 | 2 | |
| Interest paid | (69) | (79) | |
| Tax paid | (66) | (94) | |
| Cash flows from operating activities | 761 | 665 | |
| Investing activities | |||
| Acquisition of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents | 30 | (90) | (4) |
| Divestment of discontinued operation, net of cash and cash equivalents | 30 | – | 422 |
| Divestment of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents | 30 | 16 | 62 |
| Capital expenditure | (331) | (376) | |
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | 8 | 12 | |
| Cash flows from restricted cash and other deposits | 4 | 56 | |
| Other investing activities | 2 | 6 | |
| Cash flows (used in)/from investing activities | (391) | 178 | |
| Financing activities | |||
| Proceeds from issue of share capital | 3 | 2 | |
| Repayment of borrowings | (1,213) | (3,497) | |
| Proceeds from borrowings | 1,157 | 3,235 | |
| Payments in respect of derivative financial instruments | (16) | (5) | |
| Repayment of principal on lease liabilities | (73) | (71) | |
| Dividends paid to Group shareholders | 9 | – | (222) |
| Other | – | (4) | |
| Cash flows used in financing activities | (142) | (562) | |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations | 228 | 281 | |
| Discontinued operation | |||
| Cash flows used in discontinued operation | 30(b) | (10) | (29) |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents | 218 | 252 | |
| Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year | 505 | 253 | |
| Exchange losses on cash and cash equivalents | (4) | – | |
| Net cash and cash equivalents at end of the year | 19 | 719 | 505 |
These financial statements are the consolidated financial statements for the Group consisting of DS Smith Plc, a company registered in England and Wales, and all its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared and approved by the Directors in accordance with international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
On 31 December 2020 EU-adopted IFRS was brought into UK law and became UK adopted international accounting standards, with future changes to IFRS being subject to endorsement by the UK Endorsement Board. The Groups' Consolidated Financial Statements will transition to UK adopted international accounting standards for financial periods beginning 1 January 2021 onwards.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis with the exception of biological assets, other investments, assets and liabilities of certain financial instruments and employee benefit plans that are stated at their fair value and share-based payments that are stated at their grant date fair value.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as set out on pages 50-51 of the Directors' report. The Directors consider that adequate resources exist for the Company to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect whether and how policies are applied, and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment and the critical accounting judgement are discussed in accounting policies 1(z) and 1(aa).
The Group classifies non-current assets and disposal groups as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset or disposal group, excluding finance costs and income tax expense.
The criteria for held for sale classification is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Actions required to complete the sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be withdrawn. Management must be committed to the plan to sell the asset and the sale is expected to be completed within one year from the date of the classification.
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately as current items in the statement of financial position.
Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations in the income statement. Cash flows generated from discontinued operations are presented as a single item in the statement of cash flows.
All other notes to the financial statements include amounts for continuing operations.
The following new accounting standards, amendments or interpretations have been adopted by the Group as of 1 May 2020:
The adoption of the new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations has not had a material effect on the results for the year or the financial position at the year end.
The accounting policies set out above have been applied consistently in all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies have been applied consistently by all Group entities.
Benchmark interest rates such as the London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) and other inter- bank offered rates have been prioritised for reform and replacement with Risk Free Rates (RFR) by global regulators. Reform of LIBOR rates is expected to be largely completed by the end of 2021. To prepare for this reform, the Group established an IBOR Reform project towards the end of 2020 to determine the impact of a change in benchmark rates on the Group, with particular focus on treasury, tax, accounting, systems, commercial contracts and other agreements.
The Group has no hedge accounting relationships that reference LIBOR and did not adopt the Phase 1 amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7, which provided relief from hedge accounting requirements for hedge relationships affected by IBOR reform.
The Group's borrowings are substantially fixed rate. The Group has a floating-rate revolving credit facility which references, amongst others, the GBP and USD LIBOR rates. The most significant impact from IBOR reform is expected to be with regard to this facility. It is intended that the Sterling Overnight Index Average rate (SONIA) will form the basis of a replacement for GBP LIBOR and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) will be the replacement for USD LIBOR for GBP and USD borrowings under the revolving credit facility. These RFR indices plus a credit adjustment spread are expected to be economically equivalent to the existing currency LIBOR rates. The drafting of an amendment agreement with the banking group, as a direct consequence of rate reform, is at an advanced stage. The Group will adopt Interest Rate Benchmark reform Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) in the next financial year. No material impact on the results of the Group is expected as a consequence of IBOR reform.
The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
The Group's interests in equity accounted investments comprise interests in associates and joint ventures. An associate is an entity over which the Group has significant influence, but not control or joint control, over the financial and operating policy decisions of the investment. A joint venture is an entity in which the Group has joint control, whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the entity, rather than rights to its assets and obligations for its liabilities.
Interests in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. They are recognised initially at cost, which includes transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition the consolidated financial statements include the Group's share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of equity accounted investments, until the date on which significant influence or joint control ceases.
Non-controlling interests are shown as a component of equity in the consolidated statement of financial position net of the value of options over interests held by non-controlling interests in the Group's subsidiaries.
The acquisition method is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. Identifiable net assets acquired (including intangibles) in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
Where the measurement of the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is incomplete at the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group will report provisional fair values. Final fair values are determined within a year of the acquisition date and applied retrospectively.
The excess of the consideration transferred and the amount of any non-controlling interest over the fair value of the identifiable assets (including intangibles), liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill.
The consideration transferred is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued (if any), and liabilities assumed or incurred at the date of acquisition.
Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred.
The results of the subsidiaries acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.
The Group is in the business of providing sustainable packaging solutions, sustainable paper products, recycling and waste management services. The Group has concluded that it is the principal in its revenue arrangements.
Revenue comprises the fair value of the sale of goods and services, net of value added tax and other sales taxes, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and the fulfilment of the related performance obligations. Generally this occurs when the goods are loaded into the collection vehicle if the buyer is collecting them, or when the goods are unloaded at the delivery address if the Group is responsible for delivery.
The transaction price is the contractual price with the customer adjusted for rebates and discounts. Rebates and discounts are estimated using historical data and experiences with the customers. Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a significant reversal will not occur. Returns from customers are negligible. No element of financing is deemed present as typical sales contracts with customers are usually shorter than 12 months.
A receivable is recognised when the goods are delivered or services provided at a point in time that consideration is unconditional because only the passage of time is required before the payment is due.
Revenue by function is not provided in the Group's disclosures as the year-on-year variability in the degree of integration would be misrepresentative of the level of activity.
The Group receives income from its suppliers, mainly in the form of volume based rebates and early settlement discounts. These are recognised as a reduction in operating costs in the year to which they relate. At the period end, where appropriate, the Group estimates supplier income due from annual agreements for volume rebates.
Government grants are recognised in the statement of financial position initially as deferred income when there is reasonable assurance that they will be received and that the Group will comply with the conditions attached to them. Grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are offset against the expenses in the same periods in which the expenses are incurred. Grants relating to assets are released to the income statement over the expected useful life of the asset to which they relate on a basis consistent with the depreciation policy. Depreciation is provided on the full cost of the assets before deducting grants.
Dividends attributable to the equity holders of the Company paid during the year are recognised directly in equity.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Group's presentational currency. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the respective functional currencies of Group companies at the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rates ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in the consolidated income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
The assets and liabilities of all the Group entities that have a functional currency other than sterling are translated at the closing exchange rate at the reporting date. Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the date of the transactions).
On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities, borrowings, and other financial instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in the translation reserve. On the disposal of foreign currency entities, the cumulative exchange difference recorded in the translation reserve is taken to the consolidated income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.
The recognition of business combinations requires the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions over the net book value of identifiable assets acquired to be allocated to the assets and liabilities of the acquired entity. The Group makes judgements and estimates in relation to the fair value allocation of the purchase price.
Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. The useful life of goodwill is considered to be indefinite. Goodwill is allocated to the cash generating units (CGUs), or groups of CGUs, that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and is
tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if an impairment is indicated.
On disposal of a subsidiary or a jointly controlled entity, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss recognised in the consolidated income statement.
Intellectual property is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
Computer software that is integral to a related item of hardware is included within property, plant and equipment. All other computer software is treated as an intangible asset.
Customer relationships, acquired as part of a business combination, are capitalised separately from goodwill and are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.
Amortisation of intangible assets (excluding goodwill) is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, unless such lives are indefinite. Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are amortised from the date they are available for use.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Intellectual property | Up to 20 years |
|---|---|
| Computer software | 3–5 years |
| Customer relationships | 5–15 years |
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.
Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each item of property, plant and equipment, and major components that are accounted for separately (or in the case of leased assets, the lease period, if shorter). Land is not depreciated.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Freehold and long leasehold properties | 10–50 years |
|---|---|
| Plant and equipment – motor vehicles | 3–5 years |
| Plant and equipment – other, fixtures and fittings | 2–30 years |
| (including IT hardware) |
Gains or losses arising on the sale of surplus property assets are recorded through operating profit before adjusting items.
Other investments primarily consist of investments in unquoted equity securities and restricted cash. Equity securities are measured at fair value. On initial recognition, the Group makes an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate investments in equity instruments as at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI). Designation at FVTOCI is not permitted if the equity investment is held for trading or if it is contingent consideration recognised by an acquirer in a business combination. Investment in equity instruments at FVTOCI are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with gains and losses arising from changes in fair value recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the investment revaluation reserve. The cumulative gain or loss is not reclassified to profit or loss on divestment of the equity investments; instead, it is transferred to retained earnings. The Group has designated all investments in equity that are not held for trading as at FVTOCI.
Restricted cash is carried at amortised cost less any impairment.
The carrying amounts of the Group's assets, including tangible and intangible non-current assets, are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there are any indicators of impairment. If any such indicators exist, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually at the same time, regardless of the presence of an impairment indicator. An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of an asset, collection of assets or its CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement.
For the purposes of property, plant and equipment and other intangibles impairment testing, each operating segment, split by process (e.g. Packaging, Paper, Recycling), is a separate individual CGU. Goodwill impairment testing is carried out based on regional groupings of CGUs as set out in note 10, as this is the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.
The recoverable amount of the Group's assets is calculated as the value-in-use of the CGU to which the assets are attributed or the net selling price, if greater. Value-in-use is calculated by discounting the cash flows expected to be generated by the CGU/group of CGUs being tested for evidence of impairment. This is done using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current assessment of the time value of money, and the country-specific risks for which the cash flows have not been adjusted. For an asset that does not generate largely independent cash flows, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the asset belongs.
Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed. In respect of other assets, an impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, primarily currency and commodity swaps, to manage currency and commodity risks associated with the Group's underlying business activities and the financing of these activities. The Group has a policy not to, and does not, undertake any speculative activity in these instruments.
Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative.
The Group has elected to continue to apply the hedge accounting requirements of IAS 39, as allowed under IFRS 9.
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for as hedges when designated as hedges at the inception of the contract and when the financial instruments provide an effective hedge of the underlying risk.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:
The treatment of gains and losses arising from revaluing derivatives designated as hedging instruments depends on the nature of the hedging relationship as follows:
Cash flow hedges: the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity, while the ineffective portion is recognised in the income statement. Amounts taken to equity are transferred to the income statement in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when a forecast sale or purchase occurs. Where the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or liability, the amounts taken to equity are transferred to the initial carrying amount of the nonfinancial asset or liability.
If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or roll-over, the hedged transaction ceases to be highly probable, or if its designation as a hedge is revoked, amounts previously recognised in equity remain in equity until the forecast transaction occurs and are transferred to the income statement or to the initial carrying amount of a non-financial asset or liability as above. If a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, amounts previously recognised in equity are transferred to the income statement.
Hedges of net investment in a foreign entity: the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised directly in equity, while the ineffective portion is recognised in the income statement. Amounts taken to equity are transferred to the income statement when the foreign entity is sold.
Any gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of all other derivatives are taken to the income statement. These may arise from derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied because they are not effective as hedging instruments.
The net present value of the expected future payments under options over interests held by non-controlling interests in the Group's subsidiaries is shown as a financial liability. At the end of each period, the valuation of the liability is reassessed with any changes recognised in profit or loss for the period.
When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a change in equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity.
Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at fair value less expected credit loss allowance and subsequently held at amortised cost. The Group utilises the simplified approach to provide for losses on receivables under IFRS 9.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. The cost of inventories is based on a weighted average cost and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. In the case of manufactured inventories and work in progress, cost includes an appropriate share of overheads based on normal operating capacity.
Biological assets consist of standing timber, measured at fair value less cost to sell. Any change in fair value resulting from both net growth and change in the market value of standing timber is presented in the income statement. The revenue from the sale of standing timber is presented within revenue.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at amortised cost.
Cash subject to contractual restrictions on use by the Group is excluded from cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated financial statements and is presented within other investments in the consolidated statement of financial position. Restricted cash is stated at amortised cost.
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost unless designated in a fair value hedge relationship, with borrowing costs being accounted for on an accruals basis in the income statement using the effective interest method.
At the reporting date, interest payable is recorded separately from the associated borrowings, within trade and other payables.
Contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are recognised as an employee benefit expense within personnel expenses in the income statement, as incurred.
The Group's net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension schemes is calculated separately for each scheme by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to its present value amount and recognised in the income statement within personnel expenses; a corresponding liability for all future benefits is established on the statement of financial position and the fair value of any scheme assets is deducted.
The discount rate is the yield at the reporting date on AA credit rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the duration of the schemes' obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified actuary using the projected unit method. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.
The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised within personnel expenses, with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees unconditionally become entitled to the awards. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a stochastic model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting conditions.
At each reporting date, the entity revises its estimates of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement, and a corresponding adjustment to equity.
A provision is recognised in the statement of financial position when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are discounted to present value where the effect is material.
Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value, net of directly attributable transaction costs and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date.
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, being the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of end of lease dismantling or restoration costs, less any incentives received and related provisions.
Lease liabilities are recorded at the present value of lease payments, which include:
The interest rate implicit in the lease is used to discount lease payments, or, if that rate cannot be determined, the Group's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or the useful life if shorter.
Interest is recognised on the lease liability, resulting in a higher finance cost in the earlier years of the lease term.
Lease payments relating to low value assets or to short-term leases are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term leases are those with 12 or less months duration.
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted in each jurisdiction at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
The Group is subject to corporate taxes in a number of different jurisdictions and judgement is required in determining the appropriate provision for transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. In such circumstances, the Group recognises liabilities for anticipated taxes based on the best information available and where the anticipated liability is both probable and can be estimated. Any interest and penalties accrued are included in income taxes in both the consolidated income
statement and the consolidated statement of financial position. Where the final outcome of such matters differs from the amount recorded, any differences may impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which the final determination is made.
Deferred tax is provided for using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The tax effect of certain temporary differences is not recognised, principally with respect to goodwill; temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of assets or liabilities (other than those arising in a business combination or in a manner that initially impacts accounting or taxable profit); and temporary differences relating to investment in subsidiaries and equity accounted investees to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future and the Group is able to control the reversal of such temporary differences. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Items of income or expenditure that are significant by their nature, size or incidence, and for which separate presentation would assist in the understanding of the trading and financial results of the Group, are classified and disclosed as adjusting items.
Such items include business disposals, restructuring and optimisation, acquisition related and integration costs, and impairments.
In the reporting of financial information, the Group has adopted certain non-GAAP measures of historical or future financial performance, position or cash flows other than those defined or specified under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).
Non-GAAP measures are either not defined by IFRS or are adjusted IFRS figures, and therefore may not be directly comparable with other companies' reported non-GAAP measures, including those in the Group's industry.
Non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, and are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, IFRS measures.
Details of the Group's non-GAAP performance measures, including reasons for their use and reconciliations to IFRS figures are included as appropriate in note 32.
The application of the Group's accounting policies requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported assets and liabilities and financial results of the Group. Actual outcomes could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
The Group's key sources of estimation uncertainty are as detailed below:
The Group's tax payable on profits is determined based on tax laws and regulations that apply in each of the numerous jurisdictions in which the Group operates. The Group is required to exercise judgement in determining income tax provisions, along with the recognition of deferred tax assets/liabilities. While the Group aims to ensure that estimates recorded are accurate, the actual amounts could be different from those expected. See note 7 for additional information.
IAS 19 Employee Benefits requires the Group to make assumptions including, but not limited to, rates of inflation, discount rates and life expectancies. The use of different assumptions, in any of the above calculations, could have a material effect on the accounting values of the relevant statement of financial position assets and liabilities which could also result in a change to the cost of such liabilities as recognised in profit or loss over time. These assumptions are subject to periodic review. See note 25 for additional information.
The Group is required to exercise judgement in applying the adjusting items accounting policy to items of income and expenditure, taking account of their origination, as well as considering similar items in prior years to ensure consistency and appropriate presentation. See note 4 for additional information.
The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) have issued new standards and interpretations with an effective date after the date of these financial statements.
| International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS/IAS) |
Effective date – financial year ending |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate Benchmark Reform — Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16) |
30 April 2022 |
| Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions (Amendment to IFRS 16) |
30 April 2022 |
The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of the standards and interpretations that are effective for the year ending 30 April 2022 will have a material effect on its financial statements.
Of the standards listed above, all have been endorsed by the EU.
The Group does not anticipate that the adoption of these accounting standards will have a material effect on its financial statements.
IFRS 8 Operating Segments requires operating segments to be identified on the same basis as is used internally for the review of performance and allocation of resources by the Group Chief Executive (who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by IFRS 8).
The Group's continuing operations are organised into segments which cover geographical regions with integrated packaging and paper businesses. These comprise the Group's reportable segments and their results are regularly reviewed by the Group Chief Executive. The measure of profitability reported to the Group Chief Executive for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of performance is adjusted operating profit, which is a non-GAAP performance measure, about which further information is provided in note 32.
Segment results include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Central administration costs are allocated to the individual segments on a consistent basis year-on-year. All assets and liabilities have been analysed by segment, except for items of a financing nature, taxation balances, employee benefit liabilities and current and non-current asset investments. Debt and associated interest are managed at a Group level and therefore have not been allocated across the segments.
| Year ended 30 April 2021 | Note | Northern Europe £m |
Southern Europe £m |
Eastern Europe £m |
North America £m |
Total continuing operations £m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External revenue | 2,370 | 2,156 | 909 | 541 | 5,976 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | 257 | 333 | 119 | 97 | 806 | |
| Depreciation | (119) | (110) | (41) | (34) | (304) | |
| Adjusted operating profit1 | 138 | 223 | 78 | 63 | 502 | |
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Amortisation | 10 | (142) | ||||
| Adjusting items in operating profit | 4 | (49) | ||||
| Total operating profit (continuing operations) | 311 | |||||
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Net financing costs | (85) | |||||
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | 5 | |||||
| Profit before income tax | 231 | |||||
| Income tax expense | (49) | |||||
| Profit for the year (continuing operations) | 182 | |||||
| Analysis of total assets and total liabilities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segment assets | 2,079 | 3,344 | 1,015 | 1,204 | 7,642 |
| Unallocated items: | |||||
| Equity accounted investments and other investments | 51 | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | 115 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 813 | ||||
| Tax | 78 | ||||
| Assets classified as held for sale | 1 | ||||
| Total assets | 8,700 | ||||
| Segment liabilities | (1,028) | (743) | (223) | (117) | (2,111) |
| Unallocated items: | |||||
| Borrowings, overdrafts and interest payable | (2,419) | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | (56) | ||||
| Tax | (404) | ||||
| Employee benefits | (175) | ||||
| Total liabilities | (5,165) | ||||
| Capital expenditure | 93 | 147 | 56 | 35 | 331 |
| Northern | Southern | Eastern | North | Total continuing |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 30 April 2020 | Europe | Europe | Europe | America | operations | |
| External revenue | Note | £m 2,333 |
£m 2,214 |
£m 892 |
£m 604 |
£m 6,043 |
| Adjusted EBITDA1 | 335 | 422 | 127 | 72 | 956 | |
| Depreciation | (116) | (108) | (39) | (33) | (296) | |
| Adjusted operating profit1 | 219 | 314 | 88 | 39 | 660 | |
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Amortisation | 10 | (143) | ||||
| Adjusting items in operating profit | 4 | (62) | ||||
| Total operating profit (continuing operations) | 455 | |||||
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Net financing costs | (94) | |||||
| Share of profit of equity accounted investment, net of tax | 7 | |||||
| Profit before income tax | 368 | |||||
| Income tax expense | (78) | |||||
| Profit for the year (continuing operations) | 290 | |||||
| Analysis of total assets and total liabilities | ||||||
| Segment assets | 2,107 | 3,302 | 1,005 | 1,386 | 7,800 | |
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Equity accounted investment and other investments | 47 | |||||
| Derivative financial instruments | 61 | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 595 | |||||
| Tax | 119 | |||||
| Assets classified as held for sale | 3 | |||||
| Total assets | 8,625 | |||||
| Segment liabilities | (948) | (687) | (235) | (141) | (2,011) | |
| Unallocated items: | ||||||
| Borrowings, overdrafts and interest payable | (2,525) | |||||
| Derivative financial instruments | (85) | |||||
| Tax | (454) | |||||
| Employee benefits Total liabilities |
(199) (5,274) |
|||||
| Capital expenditure | 103 | 135 | 53 | 85 | 376 | |
In presenting information by geographical area, external revenue is based on the geographical location of customers. Non-current assets are based on the geographical location of assets and exclude investments, deferred tax assets, derivative financial instruments and intangible assets (which are monitored at the operating segment level, not at a country level).
| External revenue | Non-current assets | Capital expenditure | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
| UK | 947 | 828 | 467 | 479 | 26 | 47 |
| France | 897 | 844 | 438 | 430 | 55 | 59 |
| Iberia | 654 | 704 | 610 | 607 | 57 | 49 |
| Germany | 599 | 587 | 402 | 395 | 32 | 37 |
| Italy | 599 | 563 | 289 | 264 | 35 | 27 |
| USA | 551 | 569 | 338 | 409 | 35 | 85 |
| Rest of the World | 1,729 | 1,948 | 742 | 742 | 91 | 72 |
| 5,976 | 6,043 | 3,286 | 3,326 | 331 | 376 |
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Operating costs | ||
| Cost of sales | 2,816 | 2,812 |
| Other production costs | 1,190 | 1,167 |
| Distribution | 482 | 470 |
| Administrative expenses | 1,030 | 992 |
| 5,518 | 5,441 |
During the year, the Group received £5.1m of government support linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. £2.4m was repaid to the UK government of which £0.4m related to 2019/20. The resulting income of £2.7m has been netted off in operating costs . There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attached to these grants.
Details of adjusting items included in operating profit are set out in note 4.
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation of owned assets | 230 | 222 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 74 | 74 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 142 | 143 |
| Loss/(profit) on sale of non-current assets | 2 | (2) |
| Research and development | 8 | 10 |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditor's remuneration | UK £m |
Overseas £m |
Total £m |
UK £m |
Overseas £m |
Total £m |
|
| Fees payable for audit of the Company's annual financial statements | 0.3 | – | 0.3 | 0.2 | – | 0.2 | |
| Fees payable for audit of the Company's subsidiaries, pursuant to legislation |
0.9 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 3.7 | |
| Total audit fees | 1.2 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 3.9 | |
| Fees payable to the Company's Auditor and their associates for other services: |
|||||||
| Corporate finance services | 0.1 | – | 0.1 | 0.1 | – | 0.1 | |
| Audit related assurance services | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | |
| Total non-audit fees | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | |
| Total Auditor's remuneration | 1.5 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 4.2 |
Non-audit fees in 2020/21 and 2019/20 primarily include reporting accounting services in respect of the Euro medium-term note ("EMTN") issues in the year and audit-related fees for the review of the interim results.
A description of the work of the Audit Committee is set out in the governance section and includes an explanation of how the external Auditor's objectivity and independence are safeguarded when non-audit services are provided by the external Auditor.
Items are presented as adjusting in the financial statements where they are significant items of financial performance that the Directors consider should be separately disclosed to assist in the understanding of the trading and financial results of the Group. Such items include business disposals, restructuring and optimisation, acquisition related and integration costs, and impairments.
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition related costs | (2) | (10) |
| (Losses)/gains on acquisitions and divestments | (3) | 6 |
| Acquisitions and divestments | (5) | (4) |
| Integration costs | (17) | (30) |
| Other restructuring costs | (27) | (24) |
| Impairment of assets | – | (4) |
| Total pre-tax adjusting items (recognised in operating profit) | (49) | (62) |
| Finance costs adjusting items | (7) | (7) |
| Adjusting tax items | 5 | (1) |
| Current tax credit on adjusting items | 11 | 14 |
| Deferred tax credit on adjusting items | – | 1 |
| Total post-tax adjusting items | (40) | (55) |
Acquisition related costs of £2m were incurred predominantly relating to professional advisory, legal and consultancy fees and contractual deferred consideration payments on prior year acquisitions.
The loss on divestment of £3m primarily relates to the disposal of a small sheet plant in North America.
Integration costs relate to integration projects underway, primarily to achieve cost synergies from the major acquisitions made in the previous financial years (of which £14m relates to Europac and £3m relates to Interstate Resources). They include redundancies, professional fees, IT costs and those directly attributable internal salary costs which would otherwise not be incurred. Integration cost activity in respect of Europac and Interstate Resources has ceased with effect from 30 April 2021.
Within other restructuring costs of £27m, £23m relates to a material restructuring in Germany and a structured review of the underlying indirect cost base of the European Packaging business, focusing predominantly on reduction of these indirect costs.
Finance costs adjusting items of £7m relate to the unwind of the discount on the redemption liability related to the purchase of Interstate Resources.
The current tax credit on adjusting items of £11m in the year ended 30 April 2021 is the tax effect at the local applicable tax rate of adjusting items that are subject to tax. This excludes non-tax -deductible deal related advisory fees in relation to acquisitions and divestments.
The adjusting tax item of £5m includes a net decrease in the State Aid provision of £2m primarily in relation to the estimate of interest on overdue tax following agreement reached with HM Revenue & Customs ("HMRC") (see note 7) and the release of a US tax provision of £3m relating to the Plastics business that is no longer due.
Acquisition related costs of £10m relate to professional advisory, legal and consultancy fees for review of potential deals, deferred consideration and retention bonuses.
Gains on acquisition and divestments relate primarily to the remedy disposal of legacy Group sites required as part of the Europac acquisition. The profit on disposal of the Plastics business is classified under discontinued operations (see note 30(b)).
Integration costs relate to integration projects underway, primarily to achieve cost synergies from the major acquisitions made in the previous financial years (of which £19m relates to Europac and £11m relates to Interstate Resources). They include redundancies, professional fees, IT costs and those directly attributable internal salary costs which would otherwise not be incurred.
Other restructuring costs of £24m primarily comprise a reorganisation and restructuring project across the Packaging business, focusing predominantly on reduction of indirect costs.
Impairment of assets comprises impairment, primarily of property, plant and equipment, directly related to restructuring projects.
Finance costs adjusting items relate to the unwind of the discount on the redemption liability related to the purchase of Interstate Resources.
Adjusting items from discontinued operations are detailed in note 30(c).
The current tax credit on adjusting items of £14m in the year ended 30 April 2020 is the tax effect at the local applicable tax rate of adjusting items that are subject to tax. This excludes non-tax -deductible deal related advisory fees in relation to acquisitions and divestments.
The adjusting tax item of £1m is an increase in the State Aid provision in relation to the estimate of interest on overdue tax covering the year to 30 April 2020.
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income from financial assets | (1) | (2) |
| Other | – | (2) |
| Finance income | (1) | (4) |
| Interest on borrowings and overdrafts | 55 | 62 |
| Interest on lease liabilities | 12 | 12 |
| Other | 9 | 14 |
| Finance costs before adjusting items | 76 | 88 |
| Finance costs adjusting items (note 4) | 7 | 7 |
| Finance costs | 83 | 95 |
| 6. Personnel expenses | ||
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
| Wages and salaries | 1,085 | 1,044 |
| Social security costs | 213 | 206 |
| Contributions to defined contribution pension plans | 51 | 50 |
| Service costs for defined benefit schemes (note 25) | 5 | 7 |
| Share-based payment expense (note 26) | 9 | 5 |
| Personnel expenses | 1,363 | 1,312 |
| Average number of employees | 2021 Number |
2020 Number |
| Northern Europe | 10,995 | 11,443 |
| Southern Europe | 8,923 | 8,816 |
| Eastern Europe | 7,366 | 7,173 |
| North America | 1,847 | 1,879 |
| Rest of the World | 178 | 86 |
| Average number of employees | 29,309 | 29,397 |
| 7. Income tax expense | ||
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| Current tax expense | £m | £m |
| Current year | (61) | (86) |
| Adjustment in respect of prior years | (3) | (16) |
| (64) | (102) | |
| Deferred tax (charge)/ credit | ||
| Origination and reversal of temporary differences | (28) | – |
| Change in tax rates | – | (3) |
| Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets | 18 | 18 |
| Adjustment in respect of prior years | 9 | (5) |
| (1) | 10 | |
| Total income tax expense before adjusting items | (65) | (92) |
| Adjusting tax items (note 4) | 5 | (1) |
| Current tax credit on adjusting items (note 4) | 11 | 14 |
| Deferred tax credit on adjusting items (note 4) | – | 1 |
| Total income tax expense in the income statement from continuing operations | (49) | (78) |
| Total income tax expense in the income statement from discontinued operations (note 30(b)) | 9 | (11) |
| Total income tax expense in the income statement – total Group | (40) | (89) |
The tax credit on amortisation was £32m (2019/20: £33m).
The reconciliation of the actual tax charge to the domestic corporation tax rate is as follows:
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Profit before income tax on continuing operations | 231 | 368 |
| Profit before income tax on discontinued operations (note 30(b)) | 3 | 248 |
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | (5) | (7) |
| Profit before tax and share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | 229 | 609 |
| Income tax at the domestic corporation tax rate of 19.00% (2019/20: 19.00%) | (44) | (116) |
| Effect of additional taxes and tax rates in overseas jurisdictions | (23) | (41) |
| Additional items deductible for tax purposes | 16 | 19 |
| Non-deductible expenses | (22) | (20) |
| Non-taxable gain on disposal of business | – | 77 |
| Recognition of previously unrecognised deferred tax assets | 27 | 18 |
| Deferred tax not recognised | (5) | (2) |
| Adjustment in respect of prior years1 | 11 | (21) |
| Effect of change in corporation tax rates | – | (3) |
| Income tax expense – total Group | (40) | (89) |
The Group's effective tax rate, excluding amortisation, adjusting items and share of result from equity accounted investments, was 23.0 % (2019/20: 22.0%).
In the March 2021 Budget, the UK Government announced that legislation will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2021 to increase the main rate of UK corporation tax from 19% to 25%, effective 1 April 2023.
The Group operates in a complex multinational tax environment and is subject to uncertain tax positions and changes in legislation in the jurisdictions in which it operates. The Group's uncertain tax positions principally include pricing of cross-border transactions and a limited number of specific transaction related tax risks.
The assessment of uncertain tax positions is based on management's expectation of the likely outcome of settlements with tax authorities or litigation. The quantification of the risks at any one point in time, especially with respect to transfer pricing, requires a degree of judgement and estimation by management.
Within the consolidated balance sheet at 30 April 2021 for continuing operations are current tax liabilities of £133m (30 April 2020: £149m) which include a provision of £116m (30 April 2020: £138m) relating to uncertain tax positions. It is possible that amounts paid will be different from the amounts provided and the Group estimates the range of reasonably possible outcomes relating to uncertain tax positions to be from £25m to £199m.
Following the EU Commission's decision in April 2019 which concluded that up until 31 December 2018, the UK Controlled Foreign Company legislation partially represented State Aid, the Group recognised a provision in the year ended 30 April 2019 through adjusting items for the maximum potential exposure of £33m, which included an estimate of £2m for interest on overdue tax. During the year, the Group received a charging notice from HMRC under The Taxation (Post Transition Period) Bill for the full exposure. After the offset of deferred tax assets the cash tax liability was reduced to £18m (including interest), which was paid after the end of the accounting period. An amount of £2m is credited to adjusting items in the year being the difference between the provision and the final assessment liability (including the utilisation of deferred tax assets).
The Group has filed an application with the General Court of the European Court of Justice for the EU Commission's decision in respect of State Aid to be annulled. An appeal against the charging notice received from HMRC following detailed analysis conducted supporting the Group's position has also been filed. The appeals are not expected to conclude in the next 12 months.
There are tax audits being conducted by the tax authorities in a number of countries. Whilst there is inherent uncertainty regarding the timing of the resolution of these tax audits and the final tax liabilities to be assessed, the Group does not expect there to be a material change in the provision for uncertain tax positions in the next 12 months.
Included within the current tax liabilities is an amount of £9m (30 April 2020: £11m) relating to interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions.
| Tax credit/ | Taxcredit/ | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross | (charge) | Net | Gross | (charge) | Net | |
| 2021 | 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | (5) | (5) | (10) | (46) | 15 | (31) |
| Equity interest at FVTOCI – change in fair value | (3) | – | (3) | – | – | – |
| Foreign currency translation differences | (95) | – | (95) | 39 | – | 39 |
| Reclassification from translation reserve to | ||||||
| income statement arising on divestment | – | – | – | (30) | – | (30) |
| Movements in cash flow hedges | 112 | (20) | 92 | (32) | 6 | (26) |
| Movement in net investment hedge | (2) | (1) | (3) | (23) | 5 | (18) |
| Other comprehensiveincome/(expense) for the year | 7 | (26) | (19) | (92) | 26 | (66) |
| Issue of share capital | 3 | – | 3 | 2 | – | 2 |
| Employee share trust | (2) | – | (2) | (4) | – | (4) |
| Share-based payment expense | 9 | 1 | 10 | 5 | (3) | 2 |
| Dividends paid to Group shareholders | – | – | – | (222) | – | (222) |
| Transactions with non-controlling interests | (2) | – | (2) | – | – | – |
| Other comprehensive income /(expense) and | ||||||
| changes in equity | 15 | (25) | (10) | (311) | 23 | (288) |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit from continuing operations attributable to ordinary shareholders | £182m | £290m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 1,371m | 1,371m |
| Basic earnings per share | 13.3p | 21.2p |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit from continuing operations attributable to ordinary shareholders | £182m | £290m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 1,371m | 1,371m |
| Potentially dilutive shares issuable under share-based payment arrangements | 6m | 7m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) | 1,377m | 1,378m |
| Diluted earnings per share | 13.2p | 21.0p |
The number of shares excludes the weighted average number of the Company's own shares held as treasury shares during the year of 1m (2019/20: 1m).
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic pence per share |
Diluted pence per share |
Basic pence per share |
Diluted pence per share |
|
| Earnings per share from continuing operations | 13.3p | 13.2p | 21.2p | 21.0p |
| Earnings per share from discontinued operations (note 30(b)) | 0.9p | 0.9p | 17.3p | 17.2p |
| Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations | 14.2p | 14.1p | 38.5p | 38.2p |
Adjusted earnings per share is a key performance measure for management long-term remuneration and is widely used by the Group's shareholders. Adjusted earnings is calculated by adding back the post-tax effects of both amortisation and adjusting items.
Further detail about the use of non-GAAP performance measures, including details of why amortisation is excluded, is given in note 32.
A reconciliation of basic to adjusted earnings per share is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £m | Basic pence per share |
Diluted pence per share |
£m | Basic pence per share |
Diluted pence per share |
|
| Basic earnings | 182 | 13.3p | 13.2p | 290 | 21.2p | 21.0p |
| Add back: | ||||||
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 142 | 10.3p | 10.3p | 143 | 10.4p | 10.4p |
| Tax credit on amortisation | (32) | (2.3p) | (2.3p) | (33) | (2.4p) | (2.4p) |
| Adjusting items, before tax | 56 | 4.1p | 4.1p | 69 | 5.0p | 5.0p |
| Tax on adjusting items and adjusting tax items | (16) | (1.2p) | (1.2p) | (14) | (1.0p) | (1.0p) |
| Adjusted earnings | 332 | 24.2p | 24.1p | 455 | 33.2p | 33.0p |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pence per share |
£m | Pence per share |
£m | |
| 2019/20 interim dividend – proposed and cancelled | – | – | 5.4p | 74 |
| 2019/20 final dividend | – | – | nil | – |
| 2020/21 interim dividend – proposed | 4.0p | 55 | – | – |
| 2020/21 final dividend – proposed | 8.1p | 111 | – | – |
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|||
| Paid during the year | – | 222 |
The 2020/21 interim dividend of 4.0p was paid after the year end on 4 May 2021.
The 2018/19 interim and final dividends were paid during the 2019/20 financial year. The Group announced on 8 April 2020 that the interim dividend in respect of 2019/20 of 5.4 pence per share (£74m), which was due to be paid after the year end on 1 May 2020, would no longer be paid, as a prudent action to respond to the significant uncertainty in the global environment as a result of Covid-19.
| Goodwill £m |
Software £m |
Intellectual property £m |
Customer related £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 2,263 | 169 | 20 | 1,338 | 37 | 3,827 |
| Divestments | – | (1) | – | – | – | (1) |
| Additions | – | 9 | 1 | – | 5 | 15 |
| Disposals | – | (12) | (2) | – | (2) | (16) |
| Transfers | – | 9 | – | – | (9) | – |
| Reclassification | – | 6 | – | – | – | 6 |
| Currency translation | (64) | – | – | (28) | – | (92) |
| At 30 April 2021 | 2,199 | 180 | 19 | 1,310 | 31 | 3,739 |
| Amortisation and impairment | ||||||
| At 1 May 2020 | (17) | (92) | (12) | (495) | (14) | (630) |
| Divestments | – | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| Amortisation | – | (23) | (2) | (115) | (2) | (142) |
| Disposals | – | 12 | 2 | – | 2 | 16 |
| Currency translation | – | – | – | 11 | – | 11 |
| At 30 April 2021 | (17) | (102) | (12) | (599) | (14) | (744) |
| Carrying amount | ||||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 2,246 | 77 | 8 | 843 | 23 | 3,197 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 2,182 | 78 | 7 | 711 | 17 | 2,995 |
| Goodwill £m |
Software £m |
Intellectual property £m |
Customer related £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||||||
| At 1 May 2019 | 2,223 | 99 | 19 | 1,329 | 91 | 3,761 |
| Divestments | – | (1) | – | – | – | (1) |
| Fair value adjustments on acquisitions made in the prior year | 7 | – | – | – | – | 7 |
| Additions | – | 5 | 1 | – | 19 | 25 |
| Disposals | – | (3) | (1) | – | (4) | (8) |
| Transfers | – | 12 | 1 | – | (13) | – |
| Transfer to assets held for sale | – | – | – | (9) | – | (9) |
| Reclassification | – | 56 | – | – | (56) | – |
| Currency translation | 33 | 1 | – | 18 | – | 52 |
| At 30 April 2020 | 2,263 | 169 | 20 | 1,338 | 37 | 3,827 |
| Amortisation and impairment | ||||||
| At 1 May 2019 | (17) | (53) | (12) | (377) | (40) | (499) |
| Divestments | – | 1 | – | – | 8 | 9 |
| Amortisation | – | (22) | (1) | (114) | (6) | (143) |
| Disposals | – | 3 | 1 | – | 3 | 7 |
| Reclassification | – | (21) | – | – | 21 | – |
| Currency translation | – | – | – | (4) | – | (4) |
| At 30 April 2020 | (17) | (92) | (12) | (495) | (14) | (630) |
| Carrying amount | ||||||
| At 1 May 2019 | 2,206 | 46 | 7 | 952 | 51 | 3,262 |
| At 30 April 2020 | 2,246 | 77 | 8 | 843 | 23 | 3,197 |
Included within customer related intangibles at 30 April 2021 are amounts purchased as part of the acquisitions of Europac (carrying amount £405m, remaining amortisation period 13 years), Interstate Resources (carrying amount £157m, remaining amortisation period six years) and SCA Packaging (carrying amount £44m, remaining amortisation period one year).
The CGU groups below represent the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for impairment indicators and internal management purposes, and are not larger than the operating segments determined in accordance with IFRS 8 Operating Segments. The carrying values of goodwill are split between the CGU groups as follows:
| Total goodwill | 2,182 | 2,246 |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 568 | 631 |
| Eastern Europe | 159 | 158 |
| Southern Europe | 1,053 | 1,054 |
| Northern Europe | 402 | 403 |
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill may be impaired. The recoverable amounts of the groups of CGUs are determined from value-in-use calculations.
Impairment tests were conducted over the segmental structures, with no indicators of impairment noted in the year ended 30 April 2021, as the recoverable amount of the groups of CGUs, based upon value-in-use calculations, exceeded the carrying amounts.
The calculations of value-in-use are inherently judgemental and require management to make a series of estimates and assumptions. The key assumptions in the value-in-use calculations are:
| Key assumptions by CGU | Northern Europe |
Southern Europe |
Eastern Europe |
North America |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term growth rate at 30 April 2021 | 1.4% | 1.2% | 2.9% | 2.0% |
| Long-term growth rate at 30 April 2020 | 1.6% | 1.4% | 3.0% | 2.0% |
| Discount rate at 30 April 2021 | 8.8% | 10.3% | 10.4% | 8.7% |
| Discount rate at 30 April 2020 | 8.8% | 10.3% | 10.5% | 8.6% |
The value-in-use is based upon anticipated discounted future cash flows. At 30 April 2021, the impairment tests concluded that there was headroom across all CGU groups. Whilst the Directors believe the assumptions used are realistic, it is possible that a reduction in the headroom would occur if any of the above key assumptions were adversely changed. Factors which could cause an impairment are:
• significant and prolonged underperformance relative to the forecast; and
• deteriorations in the economies in which the Group operates.
To support their assertions, the Directors have conducted sensitivity analyses to determine the impact that would result from the above situations. Key sensitivities tested included reduction or delays in future growth and increased discount rates. In these cases, if estimates of future recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic were delayed, or if the estimated discount rates applied to the cash flows were increased by 0.5%, there would still be adequate headroom to support the carrying value of the assets. Based on this analysis, the Directors believe that a reasonably possible change in any of the key assumptions detailed above would not cause the carrying value of CGU groups to exceed their recoverable amounts, although the headroom would decrease. Therefore, at 30 April 2021, no impairment charge is required against the carrying value of goodwill.
| Land and buildings £m |
Plant and equipment £m |
Fixtures and fittings £m |
Under construction £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 1,055 | 3,278 | 87 | 190 | 4,610 |
| Divestments | (3) | (29) | (2) | – | (34) |
| Additions | 10 | 67 | 4 | 209 | 290 |
| Disposals | (7) | (77) | (3) | – | (87) |
| Transfers | 23 | 159 | 7 | (189) | – |
| Reclassification | (2) | 7 | 3 | (5) | 3 |
| Transfer from assets held for sale | – | 3 | – | – | 3 |
| Currency translation | (10) | (71) | (1) | (4) | (86) |
| At 30 April 2021 | 1,066 | 3,337 | 95 | 201 | 4,699 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | (200) | (1,331) | (37) | – | (1,568) |
| Divestments | 2 | 20 | 1 | – | 23 |
| Depreciation charge | (32) | (189) | (9) | – | (230) |
| Transfers | (1) | 3 | (2) | – | – |
| Disposals | 3 | 72 | 3 | – | 78 |
| Reclassification | 1 | 1 | – | – | 2 |
| Currency translation | 5 | 41 | – | – | 46 |
| At 30 April 2021 | (222) | (1,383) | (44) | – | (1,649) |
| Carrying amount | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 855 | 1,947 | 50 | 190 | 3,042 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 844 | 1,954 | 51 | 201 | 3,050 |
| Land and buildings |
Plant and equipment |
Fixtures and fittings |
Under construction |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| Cost At 1 May 2019 |
1,027 | 2,981 | 91 | 257 | 4,356 |
| Reclassified to right-of-use assets on adoption of IFRS 16 | – | (38) | (1) | – | (39) |
| Divestments | (16) | (36) | (1) | (6) | (59) |
| Additions | 7 | 116 | 3 | 227 | 353 |
| Disposals | (9) | (44) | (5) | – | (58) |
| Transfers | 36 | 253 | (1) | (288) | – |
| Transfer to assets held for sale | – | – | – | (3) | (3) |
| Reclassification | – | 11 | – | – | 11 |
| Currency translation | 10 | 35 | 1 | 3 | 49 |
| At 30 April 2020 | 1,055 | 3,278 | 87 | 190 | 4,610 |
| Depreciation and impairment | |||||
| At 1 May 2019 | (178) | (1,209) | (35) | – | (1,422) |
| Reclassification to right-of-use assets on adoption of IFRS 16 | – | 23 | – | – | 23 |
| Divestments | 7 | 25 | 1 | – | 33 |
| Depreciation charge | (32) | (182) | (8) | – | (222) |
| Impairment | (1) | (2) | – | – | (3) |
| Disposals | 6 | 38 | 5 | – | 49 |
| Currency translation | (2) | (24) | – | – | (26) |
| At 30 April 2020 | (200) | (1,331) | (37) | – | (1,568) |
| Carrying amount | |||||
| At 1 May 2019 | 849 | 1,772 | 56 | 257 | 2,934 |
| At 30 April 2020 | 855 | 1,947 | 50 | 190 | 3,042 |
Assets under construction mainly relate to production machines and site improvements being constructed at various sites across the Group.
| Land and buildings £m |
Plant and equipment £m |
Fixtures and fittings £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 174 | 169 | 2 | 345 |
| Divestments | (3) | – | – | (3) |
| Additions | 17 | 34 | – | 51 |
| Disposals | (6) | (16) | – | (22) |
| Reclassification | – | – | (1) | (1) |
| Currency translation | (5) | – | – | (5) |
| At 30 April 2021 | 177 | 187 | 1 | 365 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | (28) | (61) | – | (89) |
| Depreciation charge | (31) | (43) | – | (74) |
| Disposals | 6 | 16 | – | 22 |
| Reclassification | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| Currency translation | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| At 30 April 2021 | (52) | (87) | – | (139) |
| Carrying amount | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 146 | 108 | 2 | 256 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 125 | 100 | 1 | 226 |
| Land and | Plant and | Fixtures | ||
| buildings £m |
equipment £m |
and fittings £m |
Total £m |
|
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 May 2019 | – | – | – | – |
| Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 | 135 | 103 | 1 | 239 |
| Reclassified from property, plant and equipment on adoption of IFRS 16 (note 11) | – | 38 | 1 | 39 |
| Divestments | – | (4) | – | (4) |
| Additions | 40 | 37 | – | 77 |
| Disposals | (3) | (6) | – | (9) |
| Currency translation | 2 | 1 | – | 3 |
| At 30 April 2020 | 174 | 169 | 2 | 345 |
| Depreciation and impairment | ||||
| At 1 May 2019 | – | – | – | – |
| Reclassified from property, plant and equipment on adoption of IFRS 16 (note 11) | – | (23) | – | (23) |
| Divestments | – | 2 | – | 2 |
| Depreciation charge | (29) | (45) | – | (74) |
| Impairment | (1) | – | – | (1) |
| Disposals | 2 | 5 | – | 7 |
| At 30 April 2020 | (28) | (61) | – | (89) |
| Carrying amount | ||||
| At 1 May 2019 | – | – | – | – |
| At 30 April 2020 | 146 | 108 | 2 | 256 |
The carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the year are as follows:
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| At beginning of the year | 255 | 10 |
| Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 | – | 242 |
| Divestments | (3) | (2) |
| Additions | 51 | 77 |
| Accretion of interest | 12 | 12 |
| Payments | (85) | (83) |
| Early termination | 1 | (2) |
| Currency translation | (1) | 1 |
| At end of the year | 230 | 255 |
| Current | 71 | 73 |
| Non-current | 159 | 182 |
| 230 | 255 |
The Group has maintained full operational status throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result of this there has been no requirement for the Group to enter into any alternative relationships with regard to its lease population.
The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is presented in note 20.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| At beginning of the year | 35 | 33 |
| Dividends | (1) | (6) |
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | 5 | 7 |
| Currency translation | (1) | 1 |
| At end of the year | 38 | 35 |
| Principal country | Ownership interest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of business | of operation | 2021 | 2020 | |
| PrJSC 'Rubezhnoye Cardboard and Package Mill' | Paper and packaging | Ukraine | 49.6% | 49.6% |
| Philcorr LLC | Packaging | USA | 40.0% | 40.0% |
| Philcorr Vineland LLC | Packaging | USA | 40.0% | 40.0% |
| Cartonajes Santander, S.L. | Packaging | Spain | 39.6% | 39.6% |
| Cartonajes Cantabria S.L. | Packaging | Spain | 39.6% | 39.6% |
| Euskocarton, S.L. | Packaging | Spain | 39.6% | 39.6% |
| Industria Cartonera Asturiana S.L. | Packaging | Spain | 39.6% | 39.6% |
All the above associates are accounted for using the equity method because the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence over the investments due to the Group's equity holdings and board representation.
The financial information below is for the Group's associates on a 100% basis for the year ended 30April.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Current assets | 52 | 57 |
| Non-current assets | 79 | 70 |
| Current liabilities | (19) | (27) |
| Non-current liabilities | (11) | (8) |
| Revenue | 174 | 209 |
| Profit after tax | 20 | 16 |
| Other comprehensive income/(expense) | 16 | (1) |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Other investments | 10 | 9 |
| Restricted cash | 3 | 3 |
| Total non-current investments | 13 | 12 |
| 15. Inventories | ||
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
| Raw materials and consumables | 325 | 304 |
| Work in progress | 22 | 22 |
| Finished goods | 190 | 192 |
| 537 | 518 |
Inventory provisions at 30 April 2021 were £50m (30 April 2020: £46m).
Inventories of £2,307m were recognised as an expense during the year ended 30 April 2021 (30 April 2020: £2,302m) and included within cost of sales.
| 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non current £m |
Current £m |
Non current £m |
Current £m |
||
| Trade receivables | – | 677 | – | 588 | |
| Loss allowance | – | (31) | – | (36) | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | – | 65 | – | 72 | |
| Other deposits | – | 29 | – | 33 | |
| Other receivables | 1 | 78 | 19 | 96 | |
| 1 | 818 | 19 | 753 |
Other receivables comprise various items including indirect tax receivable, employee advances and interest receivable.
The Group has sold without recourse certain trade receivables and on realisation the receivable is de-recognised and proceeds are presented within operating cash flows. Other deposits relate to these arrangements. Sold trade receivables under these arrangements amounted to £407m (2019/20:£428m).
| Of which past due | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total £m |
Current (not past due) £m |
1 month or less £m |
1–3 months £m |
3–6 months £m |
6–12 months £m |
More than 12 months £m |
||
| At 30 April 2021 | ||||||||
| Gross trade receivables | 677 | 629 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 28 | |
| Weighted average loss rate | – | 0.6% | 13% | – | – | 50% | 89% | |
| Loss allowance | (31) | (4) | (1) | – | – | (1) | (25) | |
| At 30 April 2020 | ||||||||
| Gross trade receivables | 588 | 516 | 15 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 31 | |
| Weighted average loss rate | – | 0.8% | – | 6% | 14% | 33% | 94% | |
| Loss allowance | (36) | (4) | – | (1) | (1) | (1) | (29) |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| At beginning of the year | (36) | (34) |
| Amounts written off | 8 | 5 |
| Net remeasurement of loss allowance | (3) | (7) |
| At end of the year | (31) | (36) |
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group's customer base being large and diverse. The majority of customers are credit insured and the Group has a history of low levels of losses in respect of trade receivables.
The loss allowance represents the Group's expected credit losses on trade receivables as defined under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.The expected credit losses are estimated using a provision matrix by grouping trade receivables based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. Expected loss rates are calculated by reference to past default experience of the debtor and an analysis of the debtor's current financial position, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, general economic conditions (including the impact of Covid-19) and an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting date. The accounting impact of credit insurance is not considered integral to the consideration of the carrying value of the trade receivables.
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non | Non | ||||
| current | Current | current | Current | ||
| £m | £m | £m | £m | ||
| Trade payables | – | 1,273 | – | 1,044 | |
| Interest payable | – | 24 | – | 37 | |
| Other non-trade payables and accrued expenses | 15 | 537 | 15 | 627 | |
| 15 | 1,834 | 15 | 1,708 |
In accordance with government initiatives to allow suppliers to receive payments earlier than contractual payment terms, the Group has set up supply chain finance programmes through third parties, all of which are established and well capitalised financial institutions. The objectives for the scheme are to support smaller suppliers, giving them earlier access to funding, and to manage the Group's working capital. These schemes allow suppliers to receive, if they choose, on an invoice by invoice basis, an earlier payment whilst the Group continues to pay to the suppliers' contractual terms. Suppliers are at liberty to use them or not and these arrangements have no cost to the Group and have no effect on trade payable balances or operating cash flows. The Group does not participate in any rebates, does not receive any fees from the providers nor does it provide any discounts or incentives for the suppliers to utilise these facilities. Additionally, they are not used to create payment terms which are abnormal, atypical or extend statutory payment terms in the countries the Group operates in and no adjustments are made by Standard and Poor's in their assessment of Group adjusted net debt.
The Group assesses the supply chain finance programmes to ascertain whether liabilities to suppliers who have chosen to access an earlier payment under the scheme continue to meet the definition of trade payables, or should be reclassified as borrowings. The Group has concluded that the Group's liability to the supplier remains unchanged for all such programmes and, as such, these balances remain in trade payables and the cash flows associated with these programmes remain within operating cash flows.
Within non-trade payables and accrued expenses is the redemption liability arising on the acquisition of Interstate Resources and relating to a put option held by the seller, as detailed further in note 30(c).
The liability for the final stake at 30 April 2021 is recorded at the discounted fair value of the estimated redemption amount, applying a discount rate of 9%, based on the multiple based formula using the forecast results of the Interstate Resources business, as specified in the contract, with a floor of the original purchase price.
The components of net debt and movement during the year is as follows:
| Cash and cash equivalents Overdrafts |
Note | At 30 April 2020 £m 595 (90) |
Continuing operations cash flow £m 219 (5) |
Discontinued operation cash flow £m (10) – |
Acquisitions and divestments £m 14 – |
Foreign exchange, fair value and non-cash movements £m (5) 1 |
At 30 April 2021 £m 813 (94) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash and cash equivalents | 19 | 505 | 214 | (10) | 14 | (4) | 719 |
| Other investments – restricted cash | 14 | 3 | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Other deposits | 33 | (4) | – | – | – | 29 | |
| Borrowings – after one year | (2,300) | 36 | – | – | 198 | (2,066) | |
| Borrowings – within one year | (98) | 20 | – | – | (157) | (235) | |
| Lease liabilities | 12 | (255) | 73 | – | 3 | (51) | (230) |
| Derivative financial instruments | |||||||
| assets | 13 | (8) | – | – | (5) | – | |
| liabilities | (2) | 24 | – | – | (37) | (15) | |
| (2,606) | 141 | – | 3 | (52) | (2,514) | ||
| Net debt – reported basis | (2,101) | 355 | (10) | 17 | (56) | (1,795) | |
| IFRS 16 lease liabilities | 249 | 227 | |||||
| Net debt excluding IFRS 16 liabilities | (1,852) | (1,568) |
Net debt is a non-GAAP measure not defined by IFRS. While the Group has included lease liabilities after transition to IFRS 16 Leases within total lease liabilities (in addition to arrangements previously classified as finance leases under IAS 17), IFRS 16 liabilities are currently excluded from the definition of net debt as set out in the Group's banking covenant requirements.
Further detail on the use of non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation showing the calculation of adjusted net debt, as defined in the Group's banking covenants, is included in note 32.
Derivative financial instruments above relate to forward foreign exchange contracts and cross-currency swaps used to hedge the Group's borrowings and the net assets of foreign operations. The difference between the amounts shown above and the total derivative financial instrument assets and liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position relates to derivative financial instruments that hedge forecast foreign currency transactions and the Group's purchases of energy.
Non-cash movements relate to amortisation of fees incurred on debt issuance and new leases.
Other deposits are included, as these short-term receivables have the characteristics of net debt.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Bank balances | 378 | 402 |
| Short-term deposits | 435 | 193 |
| Cash and cash equivalents (consolidated statement of financial position) | 813 | 595 |
| Bank overdrafts | (94) | (90) |
| Net cash and cash equivalents (consolidated statement of cash flows) | 719 | 505 |
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current £m |
Non current £m |
Total £m |
Current £m |
Non-current £m |
Total £m |
|
| Bank and other loans1 | (32) | – | (32) | (14) | – | (14) |
| Commercial paper | (43) | – | (43) | (21) | – | (21) |
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt | ||||||
| €60m term loan EURIBOR + 0.55% coupon November 20222 | – | – | – | – | (52) | (52) |
| €59m private placement shelf facility 4.83% coupon August 2020 | – | – | – | (51) | – | (51) |
| €150m term loan 0.6% coupon July 2021 | (130) | – | (130) | – | (130) | (130) |
| \$298m USD private placement 4.63% weighted average coupon August 2021-20223 |
(22) | (193) | (215) | (8) | (238) | (246) |
| €500m medium-term note 2.25% coupon September 2022 | – | (433) | (433) | – | (433) | (433) |
| €750m medium-term note 1.38% coupon July 2024 | – | (650) | (650) | – | (650) | (650) |
| €39.6m term loan 1.4% coupon September 2025 | (8) | (27) | (35) | (4) | (34) | (38) |
| €600m medium-term note 0.85% coupon September 2026 | – | (515) | (515) | – | (515) | (515) |
| £250m medium-term note 2.88% coupon July 2029 | – | (248) | (248) | – | (248) | (248) |
| (235) | (2,066) | (2,301) | (98) | (2,300) | (2,398) |
Drawings under bank loans.
Term loan converted to a €60m revolving credit facility in June 2020.
Swapped to fixed rate £127m and fixed rate €129m using cross-currency swaps.
Borrowings are unsecured and measured at amortised cost. There have been no breaches of covenants during the year ended 30 April 2021 in relation to the above borrowings.
Of the total borrowing facilities available to the Group, the undrawn committed facilities available at 30 April were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Expiring between two and five years | 1,452 | 1,400 |
| Expiring after five years | – | – |
| 1,452 | 1,400 |
The £1,452m of undrawn facilities consist of the revolving credit facilities.
The repayment profile of the Group's borrowings, after taking into account the effect of cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, is as follows:
| 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year or less £m |
1–2 years £m |
2–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
Total £m |
|
| Borrowings | |||||
| Fixed rate | (204) | (631) | (664) | (770) | (2,269) |
| Floating rate | (31) | (1) | – | – | (32) |
| Total borrowings | (235) | (632) | (664) | (770) | (2,301) |
| 2020 | |||||
| 1 year or less £m |
1–2 years £m |
2–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
Total £m |
|
| Borrowings | |||||
| Fixed rate | (85) | (28) | (1,446) | (772) | (2,331) |
| Floating rate | (13) | (54) | – | – | (67) |
| Total borrowings | (98) | (82) | (1,446) | (772) | (2,398) |
The Group's borrowings, after taking into account the effect of cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts are denominated in the following currencies:
| 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
US dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
| Borrowings | |||||
| Fixed rate | (353) | (1,694) | (222) | – | (2,269) |
| Floating rate | – | (32) | – | – | (32) |
| (353) | (1,726) | (222) | – | (2,301) | |
| Net cash and cash equivalents (including bank overdrafts) | |||||
| Floating rate | 288 | 315 | 20 | 96 | 719 |
| Net borrowings at 30 April 2021 | (65) | (1,411) | (202) | 96 | (1,582) |
| 2020 | |||||
| Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
US dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
| Borrowings | |||||
| Fixed rate | (450) | (1,682) | (199) | – | (2,331) |
| Floating rate | – | (67) | – | – | (67) |
| (450) | (1,749) | (199) | – | (2,398) | |
| Net cash and cash equivalents (including bank overdrafts) | |||||
| Floating rate | 107 | 298 | 27 | 73 | 505 |
| Net borrowings at 30 April 2020 | (343) | (1,451) | (172) | 73 | (1,893) |
At 30 April 2021, 75% of the Group's borrowings, after taking into account the effect of cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts, were denominated in euros in order to hedge the underlying assets of the Group's European operations (30 April 2020: 73%). Interest rates on floating rate borrowings are based on London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), Euro Interbank Offered Rate (EURIBOR) or base rates.
| 1 year or less £m |
1–2 years £m |
2–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2020 | (73) | (56) | (81) | (45) | (255) |
| At 30 April 2021 | (71) | (51) | (73) | (35) | (230) |
| Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
US dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2020 | (53) | (126) | (46) | (30) | (255) |
| At 30 April 2021 | (49) | (114) | (36) | (31) | (230) |
| At 1 May 2020 £m |
Financing cash flows £m |
Acquisitions and divestments £m |
New leases £m |
Movements in fair value £m |
Other £m |
At 30 Apr 2021 £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank and other loans, including commercial paper | (35) | (42) | – | – | – | 2 | (75) |
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt | (2,363) | 98 | – | – | – | 39 | (2,226) |
| Lease liabilities | (255) | 73 | 3 | (51) | – | – | (230) |
| Derivative financial instruments related to hedging of financial liabilities (note 18) |
|||||||
| Assets | 13 | (8) | – | – | (5) | – | – |
| Liabilities | (2) | 24 | – | – | (37) | – | (15) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (2,642) | 145 | 3 | (51) | (42) | 41 | (2,546) |
| At 1 May 2019 £m |
Adoption of IFRS 16 £m |
Financing cash flows £m |
Acquisitions and divestments £m |
New leases £m |
Movements in fair value £m |
Other £m |
At 30 Apr 2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank and other loans, including commercial paper |
(596) | – | 575 | – | – | – | (14) | (35) |
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt |
(2,019) | – | (313) | – | – | – | (31) | (2,363) |
| Lease liabilities | (10) | (242) | 71 | 2 | (77) | – | 1 | (255) |
| Derivative financial instruments related to hedging of financial liabilities (note 18) |
||||||||
| Assets | 12 | – | (53) | – | – | 54 | – | 13 |
| Liabilities | (9) | – | 58 | – | – | (51) | – | (2) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (2,622) | (242) | 338 | 2 | (77) | 3 | (44) | (2,642) |
Other changes include foreign exchange movements and amortisation of capitalised borrowing costs.
Financing cash flows consist of the net amount of proceeds from borrowings, repayment of borrowings, repayment of lease obligations and proceeds from settlement of derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Payments in respect of, and proceeds from settlement of derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statement of cash flows relate solely to derivative financial instruments used to hedge the Group's borrowings and net assets of foreign operations. Operating cash flows include settlement of commodity derivatives.
The Group's activities expose the Group to a number of key risks which have the potential to affect its ability to achieve its business objectives. A summary of the Group's key financial risks and the policies and objectives in place to manage these risks is set out in the financial review and principal risk sections of the Strategic Report.
The derivative financial instruments set out in this note have been entered into in line with the Group's risk management objectives. The Group's treasury policy prohibits entering into speculative transactions.
Set out below is the accounting classification of the carrying amounts and fair values of all of the Group's financial assets and liabilities:
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Carrying amount £m |
Fair value £m |
Carrying amount £m |
Fair value £m |
|
| Financial assets | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | Amortised cost | 813 | 813 | 595 | 595 |
| Restricted cash | Amortised cost | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Other investments | Fair value through other comprehensive income | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Trade and other receivables | Amortised cost | 819 | 819 | 772 | 772 |
| Derivative financial instruments | Fair value – hedging instruments | 115 | 115 | 61 | 61 |
| Total financial assets | 1,760 | 1,760 | 1,440 | 1,440 | |
| Financial liabilities | |||||
| Trade and other payables | Amortised cost, except as detailed below | (1,849) | (1,849) | (1,723) | (1,723) |
| Bank and other loans | Amortised cost | (32) | (32) | (14) | (14) |
| Commercial paper | Amortised cost | (43) | (43) | (21) | (21) |
| Medium-term notes and other | |||||
| fixed-term debt | Amortised cost | (2,226) | (2,323) | (2,363) | (2,376) |
| Lease liabilities | Amortised cost | (230) | (230) | (255) | (255) |
| Bank overdrafts | Amortised cost | (94) | (94) | (90) | (90) |
| Derivative financial instruments | Fair value – hedging instruments | (56) | (56) | (85) | (85) |
| Total financial liabilities | (4,530) | (4,627) | (4,551) | (4,564) |
The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. For financial instruments carried at fair value, market prices or rates are used to determine fair value where an active market exists. The Group uses forward prices for valuing forward foreign exchange and commodity contracts and uses valuation models with present value calculations based on market yield curves to value fixed rate borrowings and cross-currency swaps. All derivative financial instruments are shown at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group's medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt are in effective cash flow and net investment hedges. The fair values of financial assets and liabilities which bear floating rates of interest or are short-term in nature are estimated to be equivalent to their carrying amounts.
The Group's financial assets and financial liabilities are categorised within the fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the assessments. The majority of the Group's financial instruments are Level 2 financial instruments in accordance with the fair value hierarchy, meaning although the instruments are not traded in an active market, inputs to fair value are observable for the asset and liability, either directly (i.e. quoted market prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). The Group's medium-term notes are Level 1 financial instruments, as the notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Other investments and the redemption liability arising on the acquisition of Interstate Resources (within trade and other payables) are Level 3 financial instruments. The fair value of other investments is derived from fair value calculations based on their cash flows, and details of the valuation of the redemption liability are provided in note 17.
The Group enters into derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange and commodity contracts, to manage the risks associated with the Group's underlying business activities and the financing of these activities. Derivatives designated as effective hedging instruments are carried at their fair value.
The assets and liabilities of the Group at 30 April in respect of derivative financial instruments are as follows:
| Assets | Liabilities Net |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|||
| Derivatives held to: | ||||||||
| Manage the currency exposures on business activities, borrowings and net investments |
– | 13 | (15) | (2) | (15) | 11 | ||
| Derivative financial instruments included in net debt | – | 13 | (15) | (2) | (15) | 11 | ||
| Derivatives held to hedge future transactions: | ||||||||
| Energy and carbon certificate costs | 115 | 48 | (41) | (83) | 74 | (35) | ||
| Total derivative financial instruments | 115 | 61 | (56) | (85) | 59 | (24) | ||
| Current | 80 | 34 | (41) | (44) | 39 | (10) | ||
| Non-current | 35 | 27 | (15) | (41) | 20 | (14) | ||
| 115 | 61 | (56) | (85) | 59 | (24) |
Set out below is the reconciliation of each component in the hedging reserve:
| Commodity | Foreign | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| risk £m |
exchange risk £m |
Total £m |
|
| Balance at 1 May 2019 | 12 | (25) | (13) |
| Gain/(loss) on designated cash flow hedges: | |||
| Cross-currency swaps | – | 21 | 21 |
| Forward foreign exchange contracts | – | 4 | 4 |
| Commodity contracts | (56) | – | (56) |
| Loss/(gain) reclassified from equity to the income statement: | |||
| Cross-currency swaps | – | (10) | (10) |
| Commodity contracts | 9 | – | 9 |
| Deferred tax | 9 | (3) | 6 |
| At 30 April 2020 | (26) | (13) | (39) |
| Gain/(loss) on designated cash flow hedges: | |||
| Cross-currency swaps | – | (20) | (20) |
| Commodity contracts | 123 | – | 123 |
| Loss/(gain) reclassified from equity to the income statement: | |||
| Cross-currency swaps | – | 27 | 27 |
| Commodity contracts | (18) | – | (18) |
| Deferred tax | (20) | – | (20) |
| At 30 April 2021 | 59 | (6) | 53 |
The amounts reclassified to the income statement from the cash flow hedging reserve during the year are reflected in the following items in the income statement:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Operating costs | (18) | 9 |
| Finance costs | 27 | (10) |
| Total pre-tax loss/(gain) reclassified from equity to the income statement during the year | 9 | (1) |
There was £nil recognised ineffectiveness during the year ended 30 April 2021 (30 April 2020: £nil) in relation to the cross-currency swaps.
The Group utilises foreign currency borrowings, cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts as hedges of long-term investments in foreign subsidiaries. The pre-tax losses on the hedges recognised in equity during the year was £2m (2019/20: gain of £23m). This loss is matched by a similar gain in equity on the retranslation of the hedged foreign subsidiary net assets resulting in a net gain of £nil (2019/20: net gain of £nil) treated as hedge ineffectiveness in the income statement.
The Group defines its managed capital as the sum of equity, as presented in the consolidated statement of financial position, and net debt (note 18).
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Net debt | 1,795 | 2,101 |
| Total equity | 3,535 | 3,351 |
| Managed capital | 5,330 | 5,452 |
There were no significant events leading to the change in managed capital levels during the year. The changes in the Group's funding were the repayment of private placement borrowings of €59m and \$10m in August 2020 and the conversion of a €60m term loan with an original maturity of November 2022 into a revolving credit facility with a maturity of June 2023, with a further two one-year extensions.
Managed capital is different from capital employed (defined as property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and intangible assets, working capital, capital debtors/creditors, provisions, biological assets and assets/liabilities held for sale). Managed capital relates to our sources of funding, whereas adjusted return on average capital employed is our measure of the level of return being generated by the asset base.
The Group funds its operations from the following sources of capital: operating cash flow, borrowings, shareholders' equity and, where appropriate, divestments of non-core businesses. The Group's objective is to achieve a capital structure that results in an appropriate cost of capital whilst providing flexibility in short and medium-term funding so as to accommodate significant investments or acquisitions. The Group also aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and to provide continuity of financing by having borrowings with a range of maturities and from a variety of sources.
The Group's overall treasury objectives are to ensure sufficient funds are available for the Group to carry out its strategy and to manage certain financial risks to which the Group is exposed, as described elsewhere in this note. The Group's treasury strategy is controlled through the Balance Sheet Committee which meets every two months and includes the Group Finance Director, the Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, the Group Financial Controller and the Corporate Finance Director. The Group Treasury function operates in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Board and is controlled by the Corporate Finance Director. The function arranges funding for the Group, provides a service to operations and implements strategies for financial risk management.
Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument fluctuate because of a change in market prices. The Group is exposed to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as borrowings are arranged at fixed interest rates, exposing it to fair value risk, and at floating interest rates, exposing it to future cash flow risk. The risk is managed by maintaining a mix of fixed and floating rate borrowings. The Group's exposure to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities is detailed in the liquidity risk management section of this note.
At 30 April 2021, 99% of the Group's borrowings were at fixed rates of interest (30 April 2020: 97%). The sensitivity analysis below shows the impact on profit of a 100 basis points rise in market interest rates (representing management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates) in all currencies in which the Group had variable-rate borrowings at 30 April 2021.
To calculate the impact on the income statement for the year, the interest rates on all variable-rate external borrowings and cash deposits have been increased by 100 basis points, and the resulting increase in the net interest charge has been adjusted for the effect of the Group's interest rate derivatives. The impact on equity is equal to the impact on profit.
The results are presented before non-controlling interests and tax.
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Impact on profit of increase in market interest rates of 100 basis points | – | (5) |
The Group's exposure to foreign currency risk at the end of the reporting period, expressed in sterling, was as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR £m |
USD £m |
EUR £m |
USD £m |
|
| Trade receivables | 504 | 54 | 389 | 43 |
| Trade payables | (1,177) | (174) | (880) | (214) |
| Net borrowings1 | (1,411) | (202) | (1,451) | (172) |
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from net investments in Group entities, the functional currencies of which differ from the Group's presentational currency, sterling. The Group partly hedges this exposure through borrowings denominated in foreign currencies and through cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts.
Gains and losses arising from hedges of net investments are recognised in equity.
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk on borrowings denominated in foreign currencies. The Group hedges some of this exposure through cross-currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges.
Foreign currency transaction risk arises where a business unit makes product sales or purchases in a currency other than its functional currency. Part of this risk is hedged using forward foreign exchange contracts which are designated as cash flow hedges.
The Group only designates the forward rate of foreign currency forwards in hedge relationships.
For the hedges of highly probable forecast sales and purchases, as the critical terms (i.e. the notional amount, life and underlying terms) of the foreign exchange forward contracts and their corresponding hedged items are the same, the Group performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness and it is expected that the value of the forward contracts and the value of the corresponding hedged items will systematically change in opposite directions in response to movements in the underlying exchange rates.
The Group's main currency exposures are to the euro and US dollar. The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | Closing | Average | Closing | |
| Euro | 1.122 | 1.151 | 1.139 | 1.151 |
| US dollar | 1.320 | 1.391 | 1.251 | 1.252 |
The following sensitivity analysis shows the impact on the Group's results of a 10% strengthening and weakening in the sterling exchange rate against all other currencies representing management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. The analysis is restricted to financial instruments denominated in a foreign currency and excludes the impact of financial instruments designated as net investment hedges.
Net investment hedges are excluded as the impact of the foreign exchange movements on these are offset by equal and opposite movements in the hedged items.
The results are presented before non-controlling interests and tax.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact on profit £m |
Impact on total equity £m |
Impact on profit £m |
Impact on total equity £m |
|
| 10% strengthening of sterling | – | 42 | – | 31 |
| 10% weakening of sterling | – | (51) | – | (38) |
The Group's main commodity exposures are to changes in gas and electricity prices. The Group also hedges its exposure to fluctuations in the cost of carbon emission certificates. This commodity price risk is managed by a combination of physical supply agreements and derivative instruments. At 30 April 2021, £59m of gains (2019/20: losses of £26m) are deferred in equity in respect of cash flow hedges in accordance with IAS 39. Any gains or losses deferred in equity will be reclassified to the income statement in the period in which the hedged item also affects the income statement, which will occur within three years.
The following table details the Group's sensitivity to a 10% increase in these prices, which is management's assessment of the reasonably possible change, on average, over any given year. A decrease of 10% in these prices would produce an opposite effect on equity. As all of the Group's commodity financial instruments achieve hedge accounting under IAS 39, there is no impact on profit for either year.
The results are presented before non-controlling interests and tax.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact on profit £m |
Impact on total equity £m |
Impact on profit £m |
Impact on total equity £m |
|
| 10% increase in electricity prices | – | 3 | – | 1 |
| 10% increase in gas prices | – | 22 | – | 9 |
| 10% increase in carbon certificate prices | – | 7 | – | (6) |
Credit risk is the risk that a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument will fail to perform or fail to pay amounts due, causing financial loss to the Group. In the current economic environment, the Group has placed increased emphasis on the management of credit risk. The carrying amount of financial assets at 30 April 2021 was £1,760m and is analysed in note 21(a). This represents the maximum credit risk exposure.
Credit risk on financial instruments held with financial institutions is assessed and managed by reference to the long-term credit ratings assigned to that counterparty by Standard & Poor's and Moody's credit rating agencies. The short-term deposits are placed with seven financial institutions with a minimum Standard & Poor's credit rating of BBB. Amounts deposited with counterparties are subject to limits based on their credit ratings. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk.
See note 16 for information on credit risk with respect to trade receivables.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group, although solvent, will have difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with its financial liabilities as they fall due.
The Group manages its liquidity risk by maintaining a sufficient level of undrawn committed borrowing facilities. At 30 April 2021, the Group had £1,452m of undrawn committed borrowing facilities (30 April 2020: £1,400m), which comprises the revolving credit facilities. The Group mitigates its refinancing risk by raising its debt requirements from a number of different sources with a range of maturities.
The following table is an analysis of the undiscounted contractual maturities of non-derivative financial liabilities.
| Contractual repayments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2021 | Total £m |
1 year or less £m |
1–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
|||
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | |||||||
| Trade and other payables | 1,849 | 1,834 | 15 | – | |||
| Bank and other loans | 36 | 32 | 4 | – | |||
| Commercial paper | 43 | 43 | – | – | |||
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt | 2,236 | 160 | 1,305 | 771 | |||
| Lease liabilities | 276 | 74 | 144 | 58 | |||
| Bank overdrafts | 94 | 94 | – | – | |||
| Interest payments on borrowings | 157 | 39 | 85 | 33 | |||
| Total non-derivative financial liabilities | 4,691 | 2,276 | 1,553 | 862 |
| Contractual repayments | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2020 | Total £m |
1 year or less £m |
1–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
|||
| Non-derivative financial liabilities | |||||||
| Trade and other payables | 1,723 | 1,708 | 15 | – | |||
| Bank and other loans | 17 | 14 | 3 | – | |||
| Commercial paper | 21 | 21 | – | – | |||
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt | 2,375 | 63 | 1,537 | 775 | |||
| Lease liabilities | 304 | 74 | 156 | 74 | |||
| Bank overdrafts | 90 | 90 | – | – | |||
| Interest payments on borrowings | 210 | 45 | 120 | 45 | |||
| Total non-derivative financial liabilities | 4,740 | 2,015 | 1,831 | 894 |
Refer to note 29 for a summary of the Group's capital commitments.
The following table is an analysis of the undiscounted contractual maturities of derivative financial liabilities. Where the payable and receivable legs of these derivatives are denominated in foreign currencies, the contractual payments or receipts have been calculated based on exchange rates prevailing at the respective year ends. The disclosure shows net cash flow amounts for derivatives that are net cash-settled and gross cash inflow and outflow amounts for derivatives that have simultaneous gross cash settlement.
Where applicable, interest and foreign exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date are assumed to remain constant over the future contractual maturities.
| Contractual payments/(receipts) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2021 | Total £m |
1 year or less £m |
1–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
|||
| Derivative financial liabilities | |||||||
| Energy derivatives | 41 | 39 | 2 | – | |||
| Cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts: | |||||||
| Payments | 583 | 269 | 314 | – | |||
| Receipts | (573) | (269) | (304) | – | |||
| Total derivative financial liabilities | 51 | 39 | 12 | – |
| Contractual payments/(receipts) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2020 | Total £m |
1 year or less £m |
1–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
| Derivative financial liabilities | ||||
| Energy derivatives | 83 | 43 | 40 | – |
| Cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts: | ||||
| Payments | 373 | 266 | 107 | – |
| Receipts | (376) | (267) | (109) | – |
| Total derivative financial liabilities | 80 | 42 | 38 | – |
| Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets |
Employee benefits including pensions |
Tax losses |
Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
| At beginning of the year | (352) | (353) | 50 | 46 | 65 | 55 | 9 | 1 | (228) | (251) |
| Credit/(charge) for the year: | ||||||||||
| – continuing | 11 | 6 | (1) | (9) | (12) | 11 | 1 | 2 | (1) | 10 |
| – discontinued | – | – | – | – | 9 | – | – | – | 9 | – |
| Recognised directly in equity | – | – | (4) | 12 | – | – | (20) | 6 | (24) | 18 |
| Currency translation | 10 | (5) | – | 1 | – | (1) | – | – | 10 | (5) |
| At end of the year | (331) | (352) | 45 | 50 | 62 | 65 | (10) | 9 | (234) | (228) |
At 30 April 2021, deferred tax assets and liabilities were recognised for all taxable temporary differences:
At 30 April 2021, no deferred tax liability has been recognised in respect of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries and associates because the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of temporary differences in respect of these unremitted earnings.
As commented in note 7, in the March 2021 Budget the UK Government announced that legislation will be introduced in the Finance Bill 2021 to increase the main rate of UK corporation tax from 19% to 25%, effective 1 April 2023. As these changes had not been substantially enacted at the balance sheet date, the UK deferred tax balances as at 30 April 2021 continue to be measured at a rate of 19%. If the 25% tax rate had been used at the balance sheet date, the UK deferred tax asset would have been £7m higher.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where the Group has a legally enforceable right to do so. The following is the analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for financial reporting purposes:
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax liabilities | (271) | (305) |
| Deferred tax assets | 37 | 77 |
| Net deferred tax | (234) | (228) |
The deferred tax asset in respect of tax losses at 30 April 2021 includes an asset in the UK of £19m (30 April 2020: £26m). The asset has been recognised based on net interest income that will arise in the UK from the financing of acquisitions. The asset is expected to be fully recovered over the foreseeable future.
The deferred tax asset in respect of tax losses at 30 April 2021 also includes an asset in Luxembourg of £11m (30 April 2020: £13m) and an asset in France of £14m (30 April 2020: £nil). The asset in Luxembourg is expected to be fully recovered in the next 12 months based on interest income that will arise. The asset in France has been recognised this year based on the future forecast profitability of the French business and is expected to be fully recovered over the next five years.
The Group has total unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to tax losses at 30 April 2021 of £10m (30 April 2020: £24m). These losses include £8m (30 April 2020:£24m) which do not expire and £2m (30 April 2020: £nil) which expire between 2026 and 2028 under current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise these benefits.
| Restructuring £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 May 2020 | 9 | 61 | 70 |
| Charged to income | 27 | 16 | 43 |
| Credited to income | (1) | (3) | (4) |
| Utilised | (28) | (25) | (53) |
| At 30 April 2021 | 7 | 49 | 56 |
| Non-current | – | 8 | 8 |
| Current | 7 | 41 | 48 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 7 | 49 | 56 |
The restructuring provision includes amounts associated with the site closures and restructuring costs described in note 4. Other provisions relate to environmental and restoration liabilities, carbon emission obligations, restructuring provisions, indemnities and estimated liabilities arising from actual and potential litigation and disputes.The timing of the utilisation of these provisions is uncertain, except where the associated costs are contractual, in which case the provision is utilised over the time period specified in the contract.
| Number of shares | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 millions |
2020 millions |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
| Ordinary equity shares of 10 pence each: | ||||
| Issued, allotted, called up and fully paid | 1,373 | 1,372 | 137 | 137 |
During the year ended 30 April 2021, 808,816 ordinary shares were issued as a result of exercises of employee share options.
The net movements in share capital and share premium are disclosed in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company.
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations and the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company's net investment in a foreign subsidiary.
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.
The share premium account represents the difference between the issue price and the nominal value of shares issued.
The reserve for the Company's own shares comprises the cost of the Company's shares held by the Group. The Group operates a General Employee Benefit Trust, which acquires shares in the Company that can be used to satisfy the requirements of the Performance Share Plans. At 30 April 2021, the Trust held 1.2m shares (30 April 2020: 1.5m shares). The market value of the shares at 30 April 2021 was £5.2m (30 April 2020: £4.7m). Dividends receivable on the shares owned by the Trust have been waived.
The Group has various put options in relation to subsidiaries with non-controlling interests. The Group records a liability at the net present value of the expected future payments, with a corresponding entry against non-controlling interests in respect of the non-controlling shareholders' put option, measured at fair value. At the end of each period, the valuation of the liability is reassessed with any changes recorded within finance costs through the income statement and then transferred out of retained earnings into non-controlling interests.
Retained earnings includes a merger relief reserve related to the shares issued in consideration to the sellers of EcoPack/EcoPaper in 2017/18. The closing balance of this reserve is £32m.
| Total | UK | Overseas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
| (1,345) | (1,354) | (1,189) | (1,169) | (156) | (185) |
| 14 | 14 | – | – | 14 | 14 |
| 553 | 301 | 526 | 270 | 27 | 31 |
| 465 | 744 | 465 | 743 | – | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | 57 | 7 | 57 | – | – |
| 138 | 47 | 122 | 28 | 16 | 19 |
| 1,178 | 1,164 | 1,120 | 1,098 | 58 | 66 |
| (167) | (190) | (69) | (71) | (98) | (119) |
| (8) | (9) | – | – | (8) | (9) |
| (175) | (199) | (69) | (71) | (106) | (128) |
| 40 | 45 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 31 |
| (135) | (154) | (56) | (57) | (79) | (97) |
At 30 April 2021, the Group operated a number of employee benefit arrangements for the benefit of its employees throughout the world. The plans are provided through both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements and their legal status and control vary depending on the conditions and practices in the countries concerned.
Pension scheme trustees and representatives of the Group work with those managing the employee benefit arrangements to monitor the effects on the arrangements of changes in financial markets and the impact of uncertainty in assumptions, and to develop strategies that could mitigate the risks to which these employee benefit schemes expose the Group.
The DS Smith Group Pension Scheme (the 'Group Scheme') is a UK funded final salary defined benefit scheme providing pensions and lump sum benefits to members and dependants. The Group Scheme closed to future accrual from 30 April 2011 with pensions calculated based on pensionable salaries up to the point of closure (or the date of leaving the Group Scheme, if earlier). The Group Scheme has a normal retirement age of 65 although some members are able to take their benefits earlier than this. Increases to pensions are affected by changes in the rate of inflation for the majority of members.
The Group Scheme is governed by a Trustee Company (DS Smith Pension Trustees Limited), which is comprised of a Board of Trustee Directors (the 'Trustee Board') and is independent of the Group. The Trustee Board is responsible for managing the operation, funding and investment strategy of the Group Scheme.
UK legislation requires the Trustee Board to carry out actuarial funding valuations at least every three years and to target full funding over an appropriate period of time, taking into account the current circumstances of the Group Scheme and the Group on a basis that prudently reflects the risks to which the Group Scheme is exposed (the 'Technical Provisions' basis). The most recent funding valuation was carried out as at 30 April 2019, following which a deficit recovery plan was agreed with the Trustee Board on 14 April 2020. The Group has agreed to maintain the previous Schedule of Contributions. The contribution for the year ended 30 April 2021 under the plan is £19.4m. The recovery plan is expected to be completed on or around September 2025.
The Trustee Board and the Group have in place a secondary Long-Term Funding Target (the 'LTFT'), in addition to the statutory funding requirement, the purpose of which is to achieve material additional security for the Group Scheme's members. The objective of the LTFT is for the Group Scheme to be funded by 30 April 2035 to a level that does not expect to rely on future contributions from the Group. The LTFT comprises actuarial assumptions to assess whether any additional contributions above the deficit recovery contributions are required, and an investment strategy approach to be followed for de-risking the scheme's assets. In recent valuations, the secondary funding assessment has concluded that the deficit recovery plan contributions are sufficient and no additional contributions from the Group under the LTFT are required.
In order to manage risk, the Group Scheme's investment strategy is designed to closely align movements in the Group Scheme's assets to that of its liabilities, whilst maintaining an appropriate level of expected return. To help the Trustee Board to monitor, review and assess investment matters, the Investment and Funding Committee (the 'IFC'), which consists of representatives from the Trustee Board and the Group, meets on a quarterly basis throughout the year.
The Group Scheme exposes the Group to risks, such as longevity risk, currency risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk and investment risk. As the Group Scheme's obligation is to provide lifetime pension benefits to members upon retirement, increases in life expectancy will result in an increase in the Group Scheme's liabilities. Other assumptions used to value the defined benefit obligation are also uncertain.
The Group Scheme deficit recovery plan agreed with the Trustee Board is considered a minimum funding requirement as described in IFRIC 14 IAS 19 – the Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction. The Group has an unconditional right to a return of any surplus in a run-off scenario.
The assets in the Group Scheme (apart from the cash held) are nearly all Level 2 instruments under the fair value hierarchy. All Level 2 assets are held in daily traded pooled funds for which daily bid prices are available, and the valuation process for these assets involves minimal judgement and is agreed by reference to independent third parties. The Group Scheme does not hold any investment in DS Smith securities.
The largest defined contribution arrangement operated by the Group is in the UK. The UK defined contribution scheme is a trust-based arrangement offering members a range of investments. All assets are held independently from the Group. The Group also operates a small unfunded arrangement in the UK.
The countries where the Group operates the most significant defined benefit post-retirement arrangements are:
In general, local trustees or similar bodies manage the post-retirement and medical plans in accordance with local regulations.
During the year ended 30 April 2021, the US Interstate defined benefit scheme was terminated and settled and the main Netherlands post retirement benefit scheme liability was settled in full .
Overseas schemes expose the Group to risks such as longevity risk, currency risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk, investment risk, life expectancy risk and healthcare cost risk. Actions taken by the local regulator, or changes to legislation, could result in stronger local funding requirements for pension schemes, which could affect the Group's future cash flow.
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Schemes' liabilities at beginning of the year | (1,363) | (1,272) |
| Divestments | – | 2 |
| Interest cost | (20) | (28) |
| Service cost recognised in the consolidated income statement | (5) | (7) |
| Member contributions | (1) | (1) |
| Settlement/curtailment | 13 | – |
| Pension payments | 50 | 53 |
| Unfunded benefits paid | 10 | 6 |
| Actuarial losses – financial assumptions | (47) | (115) |
| Actuarial gains/(losses) – experience | 13 | 21 |
| Actuarial (losses)/gains – demographic | (5) | (18) |
| Currency translation | 2 | (4) |
| Schemes' liabilities at end of the year | (1,353) | (1,363) |
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Schemes' assets at beginning of the year | 1,164 | 1,102 |
| Acquisitions | – | – |
| Employer contributions | 20 | 20 |
| Member contributions | 1 | 1 |
| Interest income | 18 | 26 |
| Actuarial gains | 34 | 66 |
| Pension payments | (50) | (53) |
| Currency translation | (1) | 2 |
| Assets utilised in scheme settlement/curtailment | (8) | – |
| Schemes' assets at end of the year | 1,178 | 1,164 |
The following table provides information on the distribution of the timing of expected benefit payments for the Group Scheme:
| Within 5 | 6 to 10 | 11 to 20 | 21 to 30 | 31 to 40 | 41 to 50 | Over 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2021 | years £m |
years £m |
years £m |
years £m |
years £m |
years £m |
years £m |
| Projected benefit payments | 212 | 239 | 474 | 353 | 202 | 73 | 14 |
The weighted average duration for the Group Scheme is 16 years.
The Group made agreed contributions of £19m to the Group Scheme in 2020/21 (2019/20: £19m). The Group's current best estimate of contributions expected to be made to the Group Scheme in the year ending 30 April 2022 is approximately £19m. A charge over four UK Packaging properties has been made as security for the unfunded arrangement in the UK, the liability for which totals £7m.
Principal actuarial assumptions for the Group Scheme are as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate for scheme liabilities | 2.0% | 1.6% |
| Inflation | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Pre-retirement pension increases | 2.2% | 1.8% |
| Future pension increases for pre 30 April 2005 service | 2.7% | 1.9% |
| Future pension increases for post 30 April 2005 service | 2.0% | 1.5% |
For other overseas arrangements, the weighted average actuarial assumptions are a discount rate of 1.0% (30 April 2020: 1.0%) and an inflation rate of 1.7% (30 April 2020: 1.6%).
During the year, the UKSA's publication on the future of the RPI assumption base had the effect of lowering the RPI assumption by 1% per annum in the short term and the post-2030 assumption is that the RPI/CPI gap falls to zero. Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice and in accordance with the relevant standard mortality tables in each country. For the Group Scheme at 30 April,the mortality base table used is SAPS 3 (year of birth), with CMI 2019 projections with a 1.25% per annum long-term rate of improvement used for future longevity improvement. At 30 April 2020 the mortality base table used was SAPS 3 (year of birth), with CMI 2019 projections with a 1.25% per annum long-term rate of improvement used for future longevity improvement. As part of the Group Scheme actuarial valuation exercise the projected life expectancies were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Life expectancy at age 65 | ||||
| Member currently aged 65 | 21.2 | 23.4 | 21.2 | 23.4 |
| Member currently aged 45 | 22.2 | 25.0 | 22.3 | 25.0 |
The sensitivity of the liabilities in the Group Scheme to each significant actuarial assumption is summarised in the following table, showing the impact on the defined benefit obligation if each assumption is altered by the amount specified in isolation, whilst assuming that all other variables remain the same. In practice, this approach is not necessarily realistic since some assumptions are related. This sensitivity analysis applies to the defined benefit obligation only and not to the net defined benefit pension liability, the measurement of which depends on a number of factors including the fair value of plan assets.
| Increase in pension liability |
|
|---|---|
| £m | |
| 0.5% decrease in discount rate | (100) |
| 0.5% increase in inflation | (67) |
| 1 year increase in life expectancy | (50) |
| Total | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
| Post-retirement benefits current service cost | (5) | (7) |
| Total service cost | (5) | (7) |
| Net interest cost on net pension liability | (2) | (2) |
| Pension Protection Fund levy | (1) | (1) |
| Employment benefit net finance expense | (3) | (3) |
| Total expense recognised in the consolidated income statement | (8) | (10) |
| Items recognised in other comprehensive income | ||
| Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation | (39) | (112) |
| Return on plan assets excluding amounts included in employment benefit net finance expense | 34 | 66 |
| Total losses recognised in other comprehensive income | (5) | (46) |
The Group's share-based payment arrangements are as follows:
Awards between 2013 and 2014 are subject to three performance measures:
Awards made between 2015 and 2016 are subject to three performance measures:
Awards made in 2017, 2018 and 2019, are subject to either two performance measures or to three performance measures:
Awards made in 2020 are subject to either two performance measures, or to three performance measures:
The awards granted in 2013, 2014,2016 and 2017 have vested but have not yet been fully exercised. The awards granted in 2012 and 2015 have vested and have been fully exercised.
(ii) A Deferred Share Bonus Plan (DSBP) is operated for Executive Directors and, from 2012/13, for senior executives. Shares awarded under the Plan will vest automatically if the Director or senior executive is still employed by the Company three years after the grant of the award.
The 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 awards have vested, but have not yet been fully exercised.
(iii) A long-term incentive plan (LTIP) is operated for selected senior managers with the first award made in 2013/14. The award will vest after three years subject to remaining in service and the satisfaction of performance conditions measured over the three financial years commencing with the year of grant. The performance conditions of the award are based 50% on average adjusted EPS and 50% on average adjusted ROACE. The last award under this Plan was the 2016/17 award granted in July 2016.
(iv) An international Sharesave Plan was introduced in January 2014 with further invitations being made in January 2016, January 2017, January 2018, January 2019.and February 2021. All employees of the Company and participating subsidiaries were eligible to participate in this Plan or an HMRC approved UK Sharesave Plan. Options are granted to participants who have contracted to save up to a maximum of £250 (or local currency equivalent) across all open invitations per month over a period of three years, at a discount of up to 20% to the average closing mid-market price of a DS Smith Plc ordinary share on the three dealing days prior to invitation. Options cannot normally be exercised until a minimum of three years has elapsed. In common with most plans of this type there are no performance conditions applicable to options granted under this Plan. The provisions of this Plan are subject to minor country specific variances. In France, the option price is discounted by up to 20% of the 20-day average up to the day before grant date. A standard US Stock Purchase Plan, which received shareholder approval at the 2014 AGM, was also introduced in January 2014 and subsequent invitations were made in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. US employees of the Group are eligible to participate in this Plan. Options are granted to participants who have contracted to save up to the local currency equivalent of £250 per month over a period of two years at a discount of up to 15% to the average closing mid-market price of a DS Smith Plc ordinary share on the day before grant. Options cannot normally be exercised until a minimum of two years has elapsed.
Further details of the awards described in (i), (ii), and (iv) are set out in the Remuneration Committee report.
Options outstanding and exercisable under share arrangements at 30 April 2021 were:
| Options outstanding | Options exercisable | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of shares |
Option price range (p) |
Weighted average remaining contract life (years) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Number exercisable |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
|
| Performance Share Plan | 8,826,470 | Nil | 1.7 | Nil | 610,320 | Nil |
| Deferred Share Bonus Plan | 4,662,568 | Nil | 0.8 | Nil | 302,930 | Nil |
| Sharesave Plan | 10,266,779 | 269–412 | 0.8 | 306.9 | 877,890 | 411.6 |
The effect on earnings per share of potentially dilutive shares issuable under share-based payment arrangements is shown in note 8.
Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their related weighted average exercise prices are as follows:
| Performance Share Plan |
Deferred Share Bonus Plan |
Sharesave plan |
Long-term incentive plan |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options (£'000s) |
| At 1 May 2020 | Nil | 7,634 | Nil | 1,790 | 313.8 | 10,593 | Nil | – |
| Granted | Nil | 3,757 | Nil | 3,267 | 325.0 | 4,972 | Nil | – |
| Exercised | Nil | (525) | Nil | (151) | 370.5 | (808) | Nil | – |
| Lapsed | Nil | (2,040) | Nil | (243) | 331.8 | (4,490) | Nil | – |
| At 30 April 2021 | Nil | 8,826 | Nil | 4,663 | 306.9 | 10,267 | Nil | – |
| Exercisable at 30 April 2021 | Nil | 610 | Nil | 303 | 411.6 | 878 | Nil | – |
| Performance Share Plan |
Deferred Share Bonus plan |
Sharesave plan |
Long-term incentive plan |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options ('000s) |
Weighted average exercise price (p) |
Options (£'000s) |
| At 1 May 2019 | Nil | 6,456 | Nil | 1,286 | 314.3 | 12,841 | Nil | 1,554 |
| Granted | Nil | 3,269 | Nil | 785 | 348.6 | 1 | Nil | – |
| Exercised | Nil | (790) | Nil | (251) | 303.7 | (866) | Nil | (952) |
| Lapsed | Nil | (1,301) | Nil | (30) | 325.3 | (1,383) | Nil | (602) |
| At 30 April 2020 | Nil | 7,634 | Nil | 1,790 | 313.8 | 10,593 | Nil | – |
| Exercisable at 30 April 2020 | Nil | 430 | Nil | 297 | 333.0 | 3,905 | Nil | – |
The average share price of the Company during the financial year was 337.7 pence (2019/20: 344.5 pence).
The fair value of awards granted in the period relates to the PSP and DSBP schemes.
The fair value of the PSP award granted during the year, determined using the stochastic (Monte Carlo) valuation model, was £8.3m. The significant inputs into the model were: a share price of 273.0p for the PSP at the grant date; the exercise prices shown above; an expected volatility of the share price of 32.6%; the scheme life disclosed above; a risk-free interest rate of -0.10% and an expected dividend yield of nil. The volatility of share price returns is calculated over the period of time commensurate with the remainder of the performance period immediately prior to the date of grant.
The total charge for the year relating to share-based payments recognised as personnel expenses was £9m (2019/20: £5m).
| Continuing operations | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 182 | 290 |
| Adjustments for: | ||
| Pre-tax integration costs and other adjusting items | 44 | 58 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets; acquisitions and divestments | 147 | 147 |
| Cash outflow for adjusting items | (48) | (53) |
| Depreciation | 304 | 296 |
| Loss/(profit) on sale of non-current assets | 2 | (2) |
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | (5) | (7) |
| Employment benefit net finance expense | 3 | 3 |
| Share-based payment expense | 9 | 5 |
| Finance income | (1) | (4) |
| Finance costs | 83 | 95 |
| Other non-cash items | (6) | – |
| Income tax expense | 49 | 78 |
| Change in provisions | (9) | (21) |
| Change in employee benefits | (32) | (19) |
| Cash generation before working capital movement | 722 | 866 |
| Changes in: | ||
| Inventories | (28) | 45 |
| Trade and other receivables | (75) | 86 |
| Trade and other payables | 276 | (161) |
| Working capital movement | 173 | (30) |
| Cash generated from continuing operations | 895 | 836 |
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 182 | 290 |
| Income tax expense | 49 | 78 |
| Share of profit of equity accounted investments, net of tax | (5) | (7) |
| Net financing costs | 85 | 94 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets; acquisitions and divestments | 147 | 147 |
| Pre-tax integration costs and other adjusting items | 44 | 58 |
| Adjusted operating profit | 502 | 660 |
| Depreciation | 304 | 296 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 806 | 956 |
| Working capital movement | 173 | (30) |
| Change in provisions | (9) | (21) |
| Change in employee benefits | (32) | (19) |
| Other | 5 | 3 |
| Cash generated from operations before adjusting cash items | 943 | 889 |
| Capital expenditure | (331) | (376) |
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other investments | 8 | 12 |
| Tax paid | (66) | (94) |
| Net interest paid | (68) | (77) |
| Free cash flow | 486 | 354 |
| Cash outflow for adjusting items | (48) | (53) |
| Dividends paid | – | (222) |
| Acquisition of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents | (90) | (4) |
| Divestment of discontinued operation, net of cash and cash equivalents | – | 422 |
| Divestment of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents | 16 | 62 |
| Other | 2 | 2 |
| Net cash flow | 366 | 561 |
| Proceeds from issue of share capital | 3 | 2 |
| Borrowings and lease liabilities divested | 3 | 2 |
| Net movement on debt | 372 | 565 |
| Foreign exchange, fair value and other non-cash movements (note 18) | (56) | (118) |
| Net debt movement – continuing operations | 316 | 447 |
| Net debt movement – discontinued operation (note 30(b)) | (10) | (29) |
| Opening net debt | (2,101) | (2,277) |
| Transition to IFRS 16 | – | (242) |
| Closing net debt – reported basis | (1,795) | (2,101) |
Adjusted operating profit, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and net debt are non-GAAP measures not defined by IFRS. Further detail on the use of non-GAAP measures is included in note 32.
At 30 April 2021, the Group had committed to incur capital expenditure of £61m (30 April 2020: £67m).
The Group is not subject to material litigation, but has a number of contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business on behalf of trading subsidiaries including, inter alia, intellectual property disputes and regulatory enquiries in areas such as health and safety, environmental, and anti-trust. No losses are anticipated to arise on these contingent liabilities.
On 26 June 2020, the purchase of a further 10% stake in Interstate Resources was completed after the exercise of a portion of the put option held by the sellers. Of the £106m consideration, £82m was paid in cash, with, by agreement, the remainder deferred to October 2021. The final 10% stake remains subject to the put option. As a substantial shareholder of the Group, the seller met the definition of a related party (note 17).
In total, during the year ended 30 April 2021, cash consideration for acquisition of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents, was £90m, and borrowings acquired, including deposits, were £nil. Apart from the acquisition of the 10% stake in Interstate Resources, the remaining acquisitions are not material to the Group individually or in aggregate.
On 11 December 2020, the Group sold the New England sheets business in North America. Cash consideration, net of cash and cash equivalents, was £16m, and leases divested were £3m.
A deferred tax asset of £9m arose in respect of tax losses on the disposal of the Plastics business and has been recognised in discontinued operations.
On 27 February 2020, the sale of the Group's Plastics division to Olympus Partners and its affiliate Liqui-Box Holdings was completed.
Plastics principally comprised flexible packaging and dispensing solutions, extruded and injection moulded products and foam products.
The Plastics segment has been classified as a discontinued operation as disclosed in note 1(a)(ii). The consolidated income statement presents the Plastics segment as a discontinued operation with a single line amount of profit from discontinued operation, net of tax. The consolidated statement of cash flows presents a single amount of net cash flow from discontinued operations.
| Year ended | Year ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 April 2021 | 30 April 2020 | |
| £m | £m | |
| Revenue | – | 281 |
| Operating costs | – | (259) |
| Operating profit before amortisation and adjusting items | – | 22 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | – | (2) |
| Profit on disposal before tax | 3 | 232 |
| Other pre-tax adjusting items | – | (3) |
| Net finance cost | – | (1) |
| Profit before income tax | 3 | 248 |
| Income tax credit/(expense) | 9 | (11) |
| Profit for the year from discontinued operations | 12 | 237 |
A deferred tax asset of £9m in respect of tax losses arising on the disposal of the Plastics business and £9m has been recognised in discontinued operations. The income tax credit/(expense) is net of a tax credit on adjusting items of £nil (30 April 2020: £2m) arising on the sale of the discontinued operation.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit from discontinued operations attributable to ordinary shareholders | £12m | £237m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 1,371m | 1,371m |
| Basic earnings per share | 0.9p | 17.3p |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit from discontinued operations attributable to ordinary shareholders | £12m | £237m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 1,371m | 1,371m |
| Potentially dilutive shares issuable under share-based payment arrangement | 6m | 7m |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares (diluted) | 1,377m | 1,378m |
| Diluted earnings per share | 0.9p | 17.2p |
The number of shares excludes the weighted average number of the Company's own shares held as treasury shares during the year of 1m (2019/20: 1m).
Further detail about the use of non-GAAP performance measures is given in note 32.
A reconciliation of basic to adjusted earnings per share from discontinued operations is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £m | Basic – pence per share |
Diluted – pence per share |
£m | Basic – pence per share |
Diluted – pence per share |
|
| Basic earnings from discontinued operations | 12 | 0.9p | 0.9p | 237 | 17.3p | 17.2p |
| Add back: | ||||||
| Amortisation of intangible assets, before tax of £nil | – | – | – | 2 | 0.1p | 0.1p |
| Adjusting items, before tax | (3) | (0.2p) | (0.2p) | (229) | (16.6p) | (16.6p) |
| Tax on adjusting items and adjusting tax items | (9) | (0.7p) | (0.7p) | 2 | 0.1p | 0.1p |
| Adjusted earnings from discontinued operations | – | – | – | 12 | 0.9p | 0.8p |
| Year ended 30 April 2021 |
Year ended 30 April 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Net cash used in operating activities | – | (18) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (10) | (11) |
| Net cash flows for the year | (10) | (29) |
| 2020 £m |
|
|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 68 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 74 |
| Right-of-use assets | 18 |
| Deferred tax assets | 4 |
| Inventories | 33 |
| Income tax receivable | 2 |
| Trade and other receivables | 91 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 6 |
| Employee benefits | (2) |
| Trade and other payables | (81) |
| Lease liabilities | (18) |
| Deferred tax liabilities | (5) |
| Income tax liabilities | (15) |
| Net assets disposed | 175 |
| Consideration received, satisfied in cash | 436 |
| Reclassification from translation reserve to income statement arising on divestment | 30 |
| Transaction and separation costs | (59) |
| Profit on disposal before tax | 232 |
| Tax charge on profit on disposal | (2) |
| Profit on disposal after tax | 230 |
| 2020 | |
| Cash inflow on disposal | £m |
| Net cash inflow | 422 |
|---|---|
| Transaction costs paid | (8) |
| Cash and cash equivalents divested | (6) |
| Consideration received, satisfied in cash | 436 |
In the year ended 30 April 2020, half of the put option was exercised by the sellers of Interstate Resources, for a further 10% stake in Interstate Resources for £106m.
In June 2019, the Group completed the remedy disposals required as part of the acquisition of Europac for €73m. Cash consideration received, net of transaction costs, was £62m, and including net debt disposed of, the total impact on net debt from disposals was £64m. Acquisition of subsidiary businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents of £4m in the statement of cash flows relates to completion accounts adjustments on prior year acquisitions. Neither the disposals or the acquisition adjustments were material to the Group individually or in aggregate.
The Group incurred acquisition related costs of £2m (2019/20: £10m), primarily related to professional advisory, legal and consultancy fees and contractual deferred consideration payments on prior year acquisitions.
In the normal course of business, the Group undertakes a wide variety of transactions between its subsidiaries and equity accounted investments.
The key management personnel of the Company comprise the Chairman, Executive Directors and non-Executive Directors. The compensation of key management personnel can be found in the single total figure remuneration table in the Remuneration Committee report. Certain key management personnel also participate in the Group's share-based incentive programme (note 26). Included within the share-based payment expense, and detailed in the Remuneration Committee report, is a charge of £1m (2019/20: £1m) relating to key management personnel.
Transactions with pension trustees are disclosed in note 25.
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Sales to equity accounted investees | 16 | 6 |
| Sales to other investees | 6 | 4 |
| Purchases from equity accounted investees | 18 | 4 |
| Purchases from other investees | 5 | 8 |
The Group presents reported and adjusted financial information in order to provide shareholders with additional information to further understand the Group's operational performance and financial position.
The principal adjustments to financial information are made to exclude the effects of adjusting items (refer to note 4) and amortisation.
Total reported financial information represents the Group's overall performance and financial position, but can contain significant unusual or non-operational items that may obscure understanding of the key trends and position. These unusual or non-operational items include business disposals, restructuring and optimisation project costs, acquisition-related and integration costs, and impairments. Restructuring and optimisation items treated as adjusting items are major programmes usually spanning more than one year, with uneven impact on the profit and loss for those years affected. Other adjusting items, such as business disposals, impairments, integration and acquisition costs, are by nature either highly variable or can also have a similar distorting effect. Therefore, the Directors consider that presenting non-GAAP measures which exclude adjusting items enables comparability of the recurring core business, complementing the IFRS measures presented.
Amortisation relates primarily to customer contracts and relationships and infrastructure optimisation projects arising from or as a result of business combinations. Significant costs are incurred in maintaining, developing and increasing the value of such intangibles, costs which are charged in determining adjusted profit. Exclusion of amortisation remedies this double count as well as, in the case of customer contracts and relationships, providing comparability over the accounting treatment of customer contracts and relationships arising from the acquisition of businesses and those generated internally.
The Group's key non-GAAP measures are used both internally and externally to evaluate business performance against the Group's KPIs and banking and debt covenants, as a key constituent of the Group's planning process, as well as comprising targets against which compensation is determined.
Certain non-GAAP performance measures can be, and are, reconciled to information presented in the financial statements. Other financial key performance measures are calculated using information which is not presented in the financial statements and is based on, for example, average 12-month balances or average exchange rates.
Unlike other of the Group's non-GAAP performance measures, net debt and net debt/EBITDA remain calculated under the previous standard, IAS 17 Leases, because they are calculated in accordance with the Group's banking covenant requirements which remain on the previous GAAP basis. As such, for net debt and net debt/EBITDA, the reconciliation for the non-GAAP performance measure below has been expanded to show the calculation to return the non-GAAP performance measure to the IAS 17 basis.
The key non-GAAP performance measures used by the Group and their calculation methods are as follows:
Adjusted operating profit is operating profit excluding the pre-tax effects of both amortisation and adjusting items. Adjusting items include business divestment gains and losses, restructuring and optimisation costs, acquisition related and integration costs and impairments.
A reconciliation between reported and adjusted operating profit is set out on the face of the consolidated income statement.
A reconciliation between operating profit and operating profit before adjusting items is set out on the face of the consolidated income statement.
Other similar profit measures before adjusting items are quoted, such as profit before income tax and adjusting items, and are directly derived from the consolidated income statement, from which they can be directly reconciled.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Adjusted EBITDA) is adjusted operating profit excluding depreciation. A reconciliation from adjusted operating profit to adjusted EBITDA is provided in note 28.
Adjusted earnings per share is basic earnings per share adjusted to exclude the post-tax effects of adjusting items and amortisation. Adjusted earnings per share is a key performance measure for management long-term remuneration and is widely used by the Group's shareholders.
A reconciliation between basic and adjusted earnings per share is provided in note 8.
Return on sales is adjusted operating profit measured as a percentage of revenue. Return on sales is used to measure the value we deliver to customers and the Group's ability to charge for that value.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Adjusted operating profit | 502 | 660 |
| Revenue | 5,976 | 6,043 |
| Return on sales | 8.4% | 10.9% |
ROACE is the last 12 months' adjusted operating profit as a percentage of the average monthly capital employed over the previous 12 month period. Capital employed is the sum of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, goodwill and intangible assets, working capital, capital debtors/creditors, provisions, biological assets and assets/liabilities held for sale. Assets and liabilities relating to discontinued operations are excluded.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Capital employed at 30 April | 5,728 | 6,010 |
| Currency, inter-month and acquisition/divestment movements | 394 | 244 |
| Last 12 months' average capital employed | 6,122 | 6,254 |
| Last 12 months' adjusted operating profit | 502 | 660 |
| Adjusted return on average capital employed | 8.2% | 10.6% |
Net debt is the measure by which the Group assesses its level of overall indebtedness within its financial position. The components of net debt as they reconcile to the primary financial statements and notes to the accounts are disclosed in note 18.
Net debt/EBITDA is the ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA, calculated in accordance with the Group's banking covenant requirements.
Net debt/EBITDA is considered a key measure of balance sheet strength and financial stability by which the Group assesses its financial position.
The Group's banking covenant requirements currently exclude IFRS 16 liabilities from the definition of net debt, as well as requiring that EBITDA is calculated before the effects of IFRS 16, so an adjustment to the previous IAS 17 basis is made in the calculation.
In calculating the ratio, net debt is stated at average rates as opposed to closing rates, and adjusted EBITDA is adjusted operating profit before depreciation from the previous 12 month period adjusted for the full year effect of acquisitions and divestments in the period, and to adjust to an IAS 17 basis.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Net debt – reported basis (see note 18) | 1,795 | 2,101 |
| IFRS 16 lease liabilities (see note 18) | (227) | (249) |
| Adjustment to average rate | 38 | 17 |
| Net debt – adjusted basis | 1,606 | 1,869 |
| Adjusted EBITDA – last 12 months' reported basis (continuing operations) | 806 | 956 |
| Adjust to IAS 17 basis | (82) | (80) |
| Acquisition and divestment effects | 2 | (2) |
| Adjusted EBITDA – banking covenant basis | 726 | 874 |
| Net debt/EBITDA | 2.2x | 2.1x |
Free cash flow is the net movement on debt before cash outflow for adjusting items, dividends paid, acquisition and divestment of subsidiary businesses (including borrowings acquired), and proceeds from issue of share capital.
A reconciliation from Adjusted EBITDA to free cash flow is set out in note 28.
Cash conversion is free cash flow, as defined above, adjusted to exclude tax, net interest, growth capital expenditure and pension payments as a percentage of adjusted operating profit and can be derived directly from note 28, other than growth capital expenditure, which is capital expenditure necessary for the development or expansion of the business as follows:
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Growth capital expenditure | 100 | 137 |
| Non-growth capital expenditure | 231 | 239 |
| Total capital expenditure (note 28) | 331 | 376 |
| Free cash flow (note 28) | 486 | 354 |
| Tax paid (note 28) | 66 | 94 |
| Net interest paid (note 28) | 68 | 77 |
| Growth capital expenditure | 100 | 137 |
| Change in employee benefits (note 28) | 32 | 19 |
| Adjusted free cash flow | 752 | 681 |
| Adjusted operating profit | 502 | 660 |
| Cash conversion | 150% | 103% |
Average working capital to sales measures the level of investment the Group makes in working capital to conduct its operations. It is measured by comparing the monthly working capital balances for the previous 12 months as a percentage of revenue over the same period. Working capital is the sum of inventories, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables, excluding capital and acquisition and divestment related debtors and creditors.
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Inventories (note 15) | 537 | 518 |
| Trade and other receivables | 786 | 736 |
| Trade and other payables | (1,669) | (1,419) |
| Inter-month movements and exclusion of capital and acquisition and divestment related items | 236 | 195 |
| Last 12 months' average working capital | (110) | 30 |
| Last 12 months' revenue | 5,976 | 6,043 |
| Average working capital to sales | (1.8%) | 0.5% |
The Group presents commentary on both reported and constant currency revenue and adjusted operating profit comparatives in order to explain the impact of exchange rates on the Group's key income statement items. Constant currency comparatives recalculate the prior year revenue and adjusted operating profit as if they had been generated using the current year exchange rates. In addition, the Group then separates the incremental effects of acquisitions and disposals made in the current year, and the incremental effects of acquisitions and disposals made in the previous year, to determine underlying organic growth. The table below shows the calculations:
| Revenue £m |
Adjusted operating profit £m |
|
|---|---|---|
| Reported basis – comparative year ended 30 April 2020 | 6,043 | 660 |
| Currency effects | 20 | 4 |
| Constant currency basis – comparative year ended 30 April 2020 | 6,063 | 664 |
| Prior year acquisitions | (13) | (1) |
| 6,050 | 663 | |
| Synergies | – | 21 |
| Organic growth | (74) | (182) |
| Reported basis – year ended 30 April 2021 | 5,976 | 502 |
Dividend cover is adjusted earnings per share divided by the total dividend for the year.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted earnings per share | 24.2p | 33.2p |
| Total dividend | 12.1p | n/a |
| Dividend cover | 2.0x | n/a |
The Group's ultimate parent Company is DS Smith Plc.
Group companies are grouped by the countries in which they are incorporated or registered. Unless otherwise noted, the undertakings below are wholly-owned and consolidated by DS Smith and the share capital held comprises ordinary or common shares which are held by Group subsidiaries. Principal companies are identified in orange.
| Argentina Finland Total Marketing Support Argentina SA AR1 DS Smith Packaging Baltic Holding Oy FI1 DS Smith Recycling Deutschland GmbH DE4 Australia DS Smith Packaging Finland Oy FI1 DS Smith Stange B.V. & Co. KG DE9 Total Marketing Support Pacific Pty Ltd AU1 DS Smith Packaging Pakkausjaloste Oy FI2 DS Smith Transport Services GmbH DE7 Austria Eastpac Oy FI1 Gibraltar DS Smith Austria Holdings GmbH AT1 France DS Smith Finco (IRE) Limited GI1 DS Smith Packaging Austria AT1 DS Smith France FR1 Greece Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH DS Smith Hêtre Blanc FR2 DS Smith Cretan Hellas S.A. GR1 DS Smith Packaging Austria GmbH AT2 DS Smith Packaging Ales FR3 DS Smith Hellas S.A. GR2 DS Smith Packaging South East GmbH AT1 DS Smith Packaging Anjou FR2 Guatemala Belgium DS Smith Packaging Atlantique FR2 TMS Global Guatemala, Sociedad Anonima GT1 DS Smith Packaging Belgium N.V. BE1 DS Smith Packaging Bretagne FR4 Honduras DS Smith Packaging Marketing N.V. BE2 DS Smith Packaging C.E.R.A. FR5 Total Marketing Support Honduras, S.A. HN1 Bolivia DS Smith Packaging Consumer FR2 Hong Kong Total MarketingSupport Bolivia S.A. BO1 DS Smith Packaging Contoire-Hamel FR6 The Less Packaging Company (Asia) Limited HK1 Bosnia & Herzegovina DS Smith Packaging Display and Services FR2 Hungary DS Smith Packaging BH d.o.o. Sarajevo BA1 DS Smith Packaging DPF FR7 DS Smith Packaging Hungary Kft. HU2 DS Smith Recycling Bosnia d.o.o. BA2 DS Smith Packaging Durtal FR8 Merpas Hungary Kft. j, HU1 Brazil DS Smith Packaging Fegersheim FR9 India Total Marketing Support Brazil Ltda BR1 DS Smith Packaging France FR2 DS Smith Products & Services India IN1 Bulgaria Private Limited DS Smith Packaging Kaypac FR10 DS Smith Bulgaria S.A. BG1 The Less Packaging Company (India) IN2 DS Smith Packaging Larousse FR11 Canada Private Limited DS Smith Packaging Mehun-CIM FR12 TMS Canada 360 Inc. CA1 Total Marketing Support India Private IN3 DS Smith Packaging Nord Est FR1 Limited Chile DS Smith Packaging Premium FR13 Indonesia Total Marketing Support Chile SpA CL1 DS Smith Packaging Savoie FR14 PT Total Marketing Support Indonesia ID1 China DS Smith Packaging Seine Normandie FR15 Ireland DS Smith Shanghai Trading Ltd CN1 DS Smith Packaging Sud Est FR16 David S. Smith (Ireland) Unlimited Company IE1 TMS Shanghai Trading Ltd CN2 DS Smith Packaging Sud Ouest FR13 DS Smith Packaging Ireland Limited IE1 Colombia DS Smith Packaging Systems FR17 Italy Total Marketing Support Colombia S A S CO1 DS Smith Packaging Velin FR18 DS Smith Holding Italia SpA IT3 Croatia DS Smith Packaging Vervins FR2 DS Smith Packaging Italia SpA IT3 Bilokalnik-IPA d.d. h, HR1 DS Smith Paper Coullons FR19 DS Smith Paper Italia Srl IT3 DS Smith Belišće Croatia d.o.o. HR2 DS Smith Paper Kaysersberg FR20 DS Smith Recycling Italia Srl IT2 DS Smith Unijapapir Croatia d.o.o. HR3 DS Smith Paper Rouen FR15 Toscana Ondulati SpA IT1 Czech Republic DS Smith Recycling France FR21 Japan DS Smith Packaging Czech Republic CZ1 Rowlandson France FR1 s.r.o. Total Marketing Support Japan Ltd JP1 Tecnicartón France FR22 DS Smith Triss s.r.o. CZ2 Kazakhstan Germany Denmark Total Marketing Support Kazakhstan KZ1 Bretschneider Verpackungen GmbH i, DE2 DS Smith Packaging Denmark A/S DK1 Latvia Delta Packaging Services GmbH DE6 Ecuador SIA DS Smith Packaging Latvia LV1 DS Smith Hamburg Display GmbH DE8 Total Marketing Support Ecuador TM-EC C.L. EC1 Lithuania DS Smith Packaging Arenshausen DE3 Egypt UAB DS Smith Packaging Lithuania LT1 Mivepa GmbH TMS Egypt LLC EG1 Luxembourg DS Smith Packaging Arnstadt GmbH DE1 Estonia DS Smith (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. LU1 DS Smith Packaging Beteiligungen GmbH DE9 DS Smith Packaging Estonia AS EE1 DS Smith Perch Luxembourg S.à r.l. LU1 DS Smith Packaging Deutschland Stiftung DE5 DS Smith Re S.A. LU1 DS Smith Packaging Deutschland Stiftung & DE9 |
Fully owned subsidiaries | Notes | Notes | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co KG | Malaysia |
DS Smith Paper Deutschland GmbH DE7
Total Marketing Support Honduras, S.A. HN1 The Less Packaging Company (Asia) Limited HK1 DS Smith Packaging Hungary Kft. HU2 Merpas Hungary Kft. j, HU1 DS Smith Products & Services India IN1 The Less Packaging Company (India) IN2 Total Marketing Support India Private IN3 PT Total Marketing Support Indonesia ID1 David S. Smith (Ireland) Unlimited Company IE1 DS Smith Packaging Ireland Limited IE1 DS Smith Holding Italia SpA IT3 DS Smith Packaging Italia SpA IT3 DS Smith Paper Italia Srl IT3 DS Smith Recycling Italia Srl IT2 Toscana Ondulati SpA IT1 Total Marketing Support Japan Ltd JP1 Total Marketing Support Kazakhstan KZ1 SIA DS Smith Packaging Latvia LV1 UAB DS Smith Packaging Lithuania LT1 DS Smith (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. LU1 DS Smith Perch Luxembourg S.à r.l. LU1 DS Smith Re S.A. LU1 Total Marketing Support (360) Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. MY1
| Fully owned subsidiaries continued | Notes | Notes | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Romania | Biber Paper Converting Limited | ER | ||
| Total Marketing Support 360 Mexico S.A de C.V | MX1 | DS Smith Packaging Ghimbav S.R.L. | c, RO1 | Calara Holding Limited | ER |
| Morocco | DS Smith Packaging Romania S.R.L. | RO3 | Conew Limited | ER | |
| Tecnicartón Tánger S.a.r.l. AU | MA1 | DS Smith Paper Zarnesti. S.R.L. | b, RO2 | Corrugated Products Limited | ER |
| Netherlands | Russia | David S. Smith Nominees Limited | ER | ||
| David S. Smith (Netherlands) B.V. | NL3 | Total Marketing Support Moscow | RU1 | D.W. Plastics (UK) Limited | ER |
| DS Smith (Holdings) B.V. | NL3 | Serbia | DS Smith (UK) Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Baars B.V. | DE9 | DS Smith Inos Papir Servis d.o.o. | RS1 | DS Smith America (UK) LLP | ER |
| DS Smith De Hoop B.V. | NL3 | DS Smith Packaging d.o.o. Kruševac | RS2 | DS Smith Business Services Limited | ER |
| DS Smith De Hoop Holding B.V. | NL3 | Papir Servis DP d.o.o. | RS2 | DS Smith Corrugated | ER |
| DS Smith Finance B.V. | NL3 | Slovakia | Packaging Limited | ||
| DS Smith Hellas Netherlands B.V. | NL3 | DS Smith Packaging Slovakia s.r.o. | SK1 | DS Smith Display Holding Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Italy B.V. | NL3 | DS Smith Turpak Obaly a.s. | d, SK2 | DS Smith Dormant Five Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Packaging Almelo B.V. | NL1 | Slovenia | DS Smith Euro Finance Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Packaging Barneveld B.V. | NL4 | DS Smith Slovenija d.o.o. | SI1 | DS Smith Europe Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Packaging Belita B.V. | NL3 | South Africa | DS Smith Finco Limited | a, ER | |
| DS Smith Packaging Holding B.V. | NL3 | TMS 360 SA (PTY) Ltd | ZA1 | DS Smith Haddox Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Packaging International B.V. | NL3 | Spain | DS Smith Holdings Limited | a, ER | |
| DS Smith Packaging Netherlands B.V. | NL2 | Bertako S.L.U. | ES9 | DS Smith International Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Packaging Tilburg B.V. | NL6 | DS Smith Andorra S.A. | ES3 | DS Smith Italy Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Recycling Benelux B.V. | NL2 | DS Smith Business Services S.L.U. | ES3 | DS Smith Logistics Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Recycling Holding B.V. | NL2 | DS Smith Forestal Spain, S.L.U. | ES4 | DS Smith Packaging Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Salm B.V. | NL3 | DS Smith Packaging Alcala S.L.U. | ES6 | DS Smith Paper Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Toppositie B.V. | NL3 | DS Smith Packaging Cartogal S.A. | ES10 | DS Smith Pension Trustees Limited | ER |
| Nicaragua | DS Smith Packaging Dicesa S.A. | g, ES5 | DS Smith Perch Limited | ER | |
| Total Marketing Support Nicaragua, Sociedad | NI1 | DS Smith Packaging Galicia S.A. | ES11 | DS Smith Recycling UK Limited | ER |
| Anonima | DS Smith Packaging Holding S.L.U. | ES3 | DS Smith Roma Limited | ER | |
| Nigeria | DS Smith Packaging Lucena, S.L. | ES7 | DS Smith Sudbrook Limited | ER | |
| Total Marketing Support 360 Nigeria Limited | NG1 | DS Smith Packaging Madrid S.L. | ES3 | DS Smith Supplementary Life Cover | ER |
| North Macedonia | DS Smith Packaging Penedes S.A.U. | ES5 | Scheme Limited | ||
| DS Smith AD Skopje | f, MK1 | DS Smith Recycling Spain S.A. | ES2 | DS Smith Ukraine Limited | ER |
| Pakistan | DS Smith Spain, S.A. | ES4 | DSS Eastern Europe Limited | ER | |
| TMS Pakistan (Private) Limited | PK1 | DS Smith TCT S.A. | ES3 | DSS Poznan Limited | ER |
| Philippines | Tecnicartón, S.L. | ES8 | DSSH No. 1 Limited | ER | |
| Total Marketing Support Philippines, Inc | PH1 | Sweden | Grovehurst Energy Limited | ER | |
| Poland | DS Smith Packaging Sweden AB | SE1 | JDS Holding | ER | |
| DS Smith Packaging sp. z o.o. | PL1 | DS Smith Packaging Sweden Holding AB | SE1 | Miljoint Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Polska sp. z o.o. | PL1 | Switzerland | Multigraphics Holdings Limited | ER | |
| Portugal | DS Smith Packaging Switzerland AG | CH1 | Multigraphics Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Displays P&I, S.A. | PT3 | Turkey | Multigraphics Services Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Energia Viana, S.A. | PT8 | DS Smith Ambalaj A.Ş. | TR1 | Priory Packaging Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Packaging Madeira, Lda | PT6 | Total Marketing Support Turkey Baskı | Reed & Smith Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Packaging Portugal, S.A. | PT4 | Yönetimi Hizmetleri A.Ş. | TR2 | St. Regis International Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Paper Viana, S.A. | PT8 | Ukraine | St. Regis Kemsley Limited | ER | |
| DS Smith Portugal, SGPS, S.A. | PT8 | Total Marketing Support Ukraine | UA1 | St. Regis Paper Company Limited | ER |
| DS Smith Recycling Portugal, S.A. | PT9 | United Arab Emirates | The Brand Compliance Company Limited | ER | |
| Lepe – Empresa Portuguesa de Embalagens, | PT2 | Total Marketing Support Middle East DMCC | AE1 | The Less Packaging Company Limited | ER |
| S.A. | UK | TheBannerPeople.Com Limited | ER | ||
| Nova DS Smith Embalagem, S.A. | PT7 | Abbey Corrugated Limited | ER | TMS Global UK Limited | ER |
| Tecnicartón Portugal Unipessoal Lda | PT1 | Ashton Corrugated | ER | Total Marketing Support Global Limited | ER |
| Ashton Corrugated (Southern) Limited | ER | Total Marketing Support Limited | ER | ||
| Avonbank Paper Disposal Limited | ER | Treforest Mill plc | ER | ||
TRM Packaging Limited ER United Shopper Marketing Limited ER
| Fully owned subsidiaries continued | Notes |
|---|---|
| UK continued | |
| W. Rowlandson & Company Limited | ER |
| Waddington & Duval Limited | ER |
| USA | |
| Carolina Graphic Services LLC | US1 |
| Cedarpak LLC | US3 |
| CEMT Holdings Group LLC | US4 |
| Corrugated Container Corporation | US13 |
| Corrugated Container Corporation of | US14 |
| Shenandoah Valley | |
| Corrugated Container Corporation of | US15 |
| Tennessee | |
| Corrugated Supply, LLC | US4 |
| Corrugated Supply, L.P. | US4 |
| DS Smith Creative Solutions Inc. | US16 |
| DS Smith Holdings, Inc. | US3 |
| DS Smith Management Resources, Inc. | e,US3 |
| DS Smith North America Recycling, LLC | US3 |
| DS Smith North America Shared | US3 |
| Services,LLC | |
| DS Smith Packaging-Holly Springs, LLC | US18 |
| DS Smith Packaging-Lebanon, LLC | US17 |
| DS Smith Packaging-Stream, LLC | US3 |
| Evergreen Community Power LLC | US3 |
| Interstate Container Columbia LLC | US6 |
| Interstate Container New Castle LLC | US7 |
| Interstate Container Reading LLC | US8 |
| Interstate Corrpack LLC | US5 |
| Interstate Holding, Inc. | US3 |
| Interstate Mechanical Packaging LLC | US6 |
| Interstate Paper LLC | US9 |
| Interstate Realty Hialeah LLC | US3 |
| Interstate Resources, Inc. | US3 |
| Interstate Southern Packaging LLC | US10 |
| Newport Timber LLC | US9 |
| Phoenix Technology Holdings USA, Inc. | US3 |
| RB Lumber Company LLC | US9 |
| RFC Container LLC | US4 |
| SouthCorr L.L.C. | US11 |
| St. George Timberland Holdings, Inc. | US3 |
| TMS America LLC | US19 |
| United Corrstack LLC | US12 |
| Uruguay | |
| Kozery S.A. | UY1 |
| Associate entities | Notes |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | |
| Industriewater Eerbeek B.V. | m, NL5 |
| Stort Doonweg B.V. | j, NL5 |
| Portugal | |
| Companhia Termica Do Serrado A.c.e. | o, PT5 |
| Serbia | |
| Papir Pet d.o.o. | j, RS3 |
| Spain | |
| Cartonajes Cantabria, S.L. | n, ES1 |
| Cartonajes Santander, S.L. | n, ES1 |
| Euskocarton, S.L. | n, ES1 |
| Industria Cartonera Asturiana, S.A. | n, ES12 |
| Ukraine | |
| PrivateJoint Stock Company "Rubizhanskiy | k, UA2 |
| Kartonno-Tarniy Kombinat" | |
| USA | |
| Philcorr LLC | l, US2 |
| PhilCorr Vineland LLC | l, US2 |
| Ownership interest at 30 April 2021 | |
|---|---|
| a | Directly held by DS Smith Plc |
|---|---|
| b | 99.927% ownership interest |
| c | 99.285% ownership interest |
| d | 98.89% ownership interest |
| e | 90% ownership interest |
| f | 81.39% ownership interest |
| g | 80% ownership interest |
| h | 69.788% ownership interest |
| i | 51% ownership interest |
| j | 50% ownership interest |
| k | 49.597% ownership interest |
| l | 40% ownership interest |
| m | 37.5% ownership interest |
| n | 39.58% ownership interest |
| o | 30% ownership interest |
FR22 27 Rue du Tennis, 25110, Baume les Dames, France
DE1 Bierweg 11, 99310 Arnstadt, Germany
ES8 Parque Industrial Juan Carlos I, C/ Canal Crespo, 13 Almussafes 46440 (Valencia), Spain
ES9 Polígono Industrial Areta nº 1, parcela 348, calle Altzutzate, nº 46, 31620 Huarte, Navarra, Spain
There are no other subsequent events after the reporting date which require disclosure.
| Note | 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Intangible assets | 3 | 34 | 44 |
| Property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| Investments in subsidiaries | 5 | 4,577 | 4,559 |
| Deferred tax assets | 30 | 50 | |
| Other receivables | 6 | 4,664 | 645 |
| Lease receivable | – | 6 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 10 | 35 | 27 |
| Total non-current assets | 9,347 | 5,338 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Trade and other receivables | 6 | 550 | 1,013 |
| Lease receivable | – | 6 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 437 | 185 | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 10 | 80 | 34 |
| Total current assets | 1,067 | 1,238 | |
| Total assets | 10,414 | 6,576 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Borrowings | 8 | (2,062) | (2,166) |
| Employee benefits | 11 | (30) | (31) |
| Other payables | 7 | (3,870) | (199) |
| Lease liabilities | 9 | (4) | (11) |
| Provisions | (5) | (7) | |
| Derivative financial instruments | 10 | (15) | (41) |
| Total non-current liabilities | (5,986) | (2,455) | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Borrowings | 8 | (65) | (121) |
| Trade and other payables | 7 | (223) | (202) |
| Income tax liabilities | – | (4) | |
| Lease liabilities | 9 | (1) | (7) |
| Derivative financial instruments | 10 | (41) | (44) |
| Total current liabilities | (330) | (378) | |
| Total liabilities | (6,316) | (2,833) | |
| Net assets | 4,098 | 3,743 | |
| Equity | |||
| Issued capital | 12 | 137 | 137 |
| Share premium account | 12 | 2,241 | 2,238 |
| Reserves | 12 | 1,720 | 1,368 |
| Shareholders' equity | 4,098 | 3,743 | |
The Company made a profit for the year of £258m (2019/20: profit of £130m) including the recognition of intra-group dividends.
Approved by the Board of Directors of DS Smith Plc (company registered number 1377658) on 21 June 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
| M W Roberts | A R T Marsh |
|---|---|
| Director | Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
| Share capital £m |
Share premium £m |
Hedging reserve £m |
Own shares £m |
Merger relief reserve £m |
Retained earnings £m |
Total equity £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2019 | 137 | 2,236 | (13) | (1) | 32 | 1,473 | 3,864 |
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | – | – | 130 | 130 |
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | – | – | – | – | – | (16) | (16) |
| Cash flow hedges fair value changes | – | – | (31) | – | – | – | (31) |
| Reclassification from cash flow hedge | |||||||
| reserve to income statement | – | – | (1) | – | – | – | (1) |
| Income tax on other comprehensive income | – | – | 6 | – | – | 13 | 19 |
| Total comprehensive (expense)/income | – | – | (26) | – | – | 127 | 101 |
| Issue of share capital | – | 2 | – | – | – | – | 2 |
| Employee share trust | – | – | – | (2) | – | (2) | (4) |
| Share-based payment expense (net of tax) | – | – | – | – | – | 2 | 2 |
| Dividends paid1 | – | – | – | – | – | (222) | (222) |
| Other changes in equity in the year | – | 2 | – | (2) | – | (222) | (222) |
| At 30 April 2020 | 137 | 2,238 | (39) | (3) | 32 | 1,378 | 3,743 |
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | – | – | 258 | 258 |
| Actuarial loss on employee benefits | – | – | – | – | – | (6) | (6) |
| Cash flow hedges fair value changes | – | – | 103 | – | – | – | 103 |
| Reclassification from cash flow hedge | |||||||
| reserve to income statement | – | – | 9 | – | – | – | 9 |
| Income tax on other comprehensive income | – | – | (20) | – | – | – | (20) |
| Total comprehensive (expense)/income | – | – | 92 | – | – | 252 | 344 |
| Issue of share capital | – | 3 | – | – | – | – | 3 |
| Employee share trust | – | – | – | – | – | (2) | (2) |
| Share-based payment expense (net of tax) | – | – | – | – | – | 10 | 10 |
| Other changes in equity in the year | – | 3 | – | – | – | 8 | 11 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 137 | 2,241 | 53 | (3) | 32 | 1,638 | 4,098 |
These financial statements of DS Smith Plc (the 'Company') have been prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and the UK Companies Act.
The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention with the exception of certain financial instruments and employee benefit plans that are stated at their fair value and share-based payments that are stated at their grant date fair value.
Under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company is exempt from the requirement to present its own income statement or statement of comprehensive income.
In these financial statements, the Company has applied the exemptions available under FRS 101 in respect of the following disclosures:
As the Group financial statements include the equivalent disclosures, the Company has also taken advantage of the exemptions under FRS 101 available in respect of the following disclosures:
The Company adopted the following new accounting standards, amendments or interpretations as of 1 May 2020:
The adoption of the standards, interpretations and amendments has not had a material effect on the results for the year.
The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently to all periods presented in these financial statements.
The Company's financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company's functional currency and presentation currency. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange at the date of the transaction, and retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on translation are taken to the income statement.
Intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each item, which range between three and five years.
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each item of property, plant and equipment. Estimated useful lives of plant and equipment are between two and 30 years, and for leasehold improvements are over the period of the lease.
The Company recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date.
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, being the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of end of lease dismantling or restoration costs, less any incentives received and related provisions.
Lease liabilities are recorded at the present value of lease payments.
The interest rate implicit in the lease is used to discount lease payments, or, if that rate cannot be determined, the Group's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the Group would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value in a similar economic environment with similar terms and conditions.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or the useful life if shorter.
Interest is recognised on the lease liability, resulting in a higher finance cost in the earlier years of the lease term.
Lease payments relating to low value assets or to short-term leases are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term leases are those with 12 months or less duration.
When the Company enters into a back-to-back lease arrangement on behalf of a subsidiary, corresponding lease receivables are recognised.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provisions for impairment.
Impairment testing is performed annually for investment in subsidiaries by comparing the carrying amount of each investment with the relevant subsidiary's consolidated balance sheet. Where the net assets are lower than the investment value, a discounted cash flow is utilised to calculate the present value of the investment to confirm whether any impairment is required.
Deferred tax is provided for using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
The Company is the sponsoring employer for a UK funded, defined benefit scheme, the DS Smith Group Pension scheme (the 'Group Scheme').
The Group has in place a stated policy for allocating the net defined benefit cost relating to the Group Scheme to participating Group entities.
Accordingly, both the Company's statement of financial position and income statement reflect the Company's share of the net defined benefit liability and net defined benefit cost in respect of the Group scheme, allocated per the stated policy. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.
The Company operates an equity-settled, share-based compensation plan. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the options is recognised as an expense. The fair value of the options granted is measured using a stochastic model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by reference to the fair value of the options granted, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting conditions. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable.
At each reporting date, the Company revises its estimate of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement, and a corresponding adjustment to equity. Where applicable, the fair value of employee services received by subsidiary undertakings within the DS Smith Plc Group in exchange for options granted by the Company is recognised as an expense in the financial statements of the subsidiary by means of a recharge from the Company.
The cost of shares held in the employee share trust is deducted from equity. All differences between the purchase price of the shares held to satisfy options granted and the proceeds received for the shares, whether on exercise or lapse, are charged to retained earnings.
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily currency and commodity swaps, to manage interest rate, currency and commodity risks associated with the Group's underlying business activities and the financing of these activities. The Group has a policy not to, and does not, undertake any speculative activity in these instruments. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities when the fair value is negative.
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for as hedges when designated as hedges at the inception of the contract and when the financial instruments provide an effective hedge of the underlying risk. Any gains or losses arising from the hedging instruments are offset against the hedged items.
For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as cash flow hedges due to hedging exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction.
Dividend income from subsidiary undertakings is recognised in the income statement when paid.
There are no significant accounting judgements and estimates applied in preparing the Company's accounts.
The average number of employees employed by the Company during the year was 278 (2019/20: 272).
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Wages and salaries | 31 | 31 |
| Social security costs | 3 | 3 |
| Pension costs | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 36 | 36 |
Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements sets out the disclosure information required for the Company's share-based payments.
| Intangible | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software £m |
Other intangibles £m |
assets under construction £m |
Total £m |
|
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 68 | 7 | 7 | 82 |
| Additions | – | – | 3 | 3 |
| Reclassifications | 4 | – | (4) | – |
| At 30 April 2021 | 72 | 7 | 6 | 85 |
| Amortisation | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | (38) | – | – | (38) |
| Amortisation charge | (13) | – | – | (13) |
| At 30 April 2021 | (51) | – | – | (51) |
| Carrying amount | ||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 30 | 7 | 7 | 44 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 21 | 7 | 6 | 34 |
| Right-of-use assets £m |
Leasehold improvements £m |
Plant and equipment £m |
Assets under construction £m |
Total property, plant and equipment £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 6 | 3 | 2 | – | 11 |
| Additions | – | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 12 |
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | (1) | (1) | (2) | – | (4) |
| Depreciation charge | (1) | – | – | – | (1) |
| At 30 April 2021 | (2) | (1) | (2) | – | (5) |
| Carrying amount | |||||
| At 1 May 2020 | 5 | 2 | – | – | 7 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 4 | 2 | – | 1 | 7 |
Right-of-use assets relate to land and buildings.
| Shares in Group undertakings £m |
|
|---|---|
| At 1 May 2020 | 4,559 |
| Additions | 18 |
| At 30 April 2021 | 4,577 |
The Company's principal trading subsidiary undertakings at 30 April 2021 are shown in note 33 to the consolidated financial statements. Additions in the year ended 30 April 2021 are a result of intergroup restructuring transactions.
| 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non current £m |
Current £m |
Non current £m |
Current £m |
||
| Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings | 4,664 | 537 | 645 | 997 | |
| Other receivables | – | 1 | – | 3 | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | – | 12 | – | 13 | |
| 4,664 | 550 | 645 | 1,013 |
When measuring the potential impairment of receivables from subsidiary undertakings, forward looking information based on assumptions for the future movement of different economic drivers are considered.
During the year the Company revised its loan structure with subsidiaries resulting in reclassification of loans between the current and noncurrent categories.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non current £m |
Current £m |
Non current £m |
Current £m |
|
| Trade payables | – | 15 | – | 17 |
| Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings | 3,870 | 164 | 199 | 130 |
| Other tax and social security payables | – | 10 | – | 10 |
| Non-trade payables, accruals and deferred income | – | 34 | – | 45 |
| 3,870 | 223 | 199 | 202 |
Non-current amounts owed to subsidiaries are subject to interest at rates based on LIBOR or EURIBOR, are unsecured, and are repayable between 2023 and 2026.
During the year the Company revised its loan structure with subsidiaries resulting in reclassification of loans between the current and noncurrent categories.
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non | Non | ||||
| current £m |
Current £m |
current £m |
Current £m |
||
| Bank loans and overdrafts | – | 35 | – | 58 | |
| Medium-term notes and other fixed-term debt | 2,062 | 30 | 2,166 | 63 | |
| 2,062 | 65 | 2,166 | 121 |
Disclosures in respect of the Group's borrowings are provided in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
The carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the year are as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Cost | ||
| At beginning of the year | 18 | – |
| Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16 | – | 18 |
| Disposals | (12) | – |
| Payments | (1) | – |
| At end of the year | 5 | 18 |
| Current | 1 | 7 |
| Non-current | 4 | 11 |
| 5 | 18 |
| 1 year or less £m |
1–2 years £m |
2–5 years £m |
More than 5 years £m |
Total £m |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 30 April 2020 | (7) | (2) | (7) | (2) | (18) |
| At 30 April 2021 | (1) | (1) | (2) | (1) | (5) |
| Assets | Liabilities | Net | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
2020 £m |
|
| Derivatives held to: | ||||||
| Manage the currency exposures on business activities, borrowings and net investments |
– | 13 | (15) | (2) | (15) | 11 |
| Derivative financial instruments included in net debt | – | 13 | (15) | (2) | (15) | 11 |
| Derivatives held to hedge future transactions: | ||||||
| Energy and carbon certificate costs | 115 | 48 | (41) | (83) | 74 | (35) |
| Total derivative financial instruments | 115 | 61 | (56) | (85) | 59 | (24) |
| Current | 80 | 34 | (41) | (44) | 39 | (10) |
| Non-current | 35 | 27 | (15) | (41) | 20 | (14) |
| 115 | 61 | (56) | (85) | 59 | (24) |
Disclosures in respect of the Group's derivative financial instruments are provided in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company participates in all of the Group's UK pension schemes. The accounting valuation is consistent with the Group valuation, as described in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements, where full disclosures relating to these schemes are given.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| £m | £m | |
| Present value of funded obligations | (1,182) | (1,162) |
| Present value of unfunded obligations | (7) | (7) |
| Fair value of scheme assets | 1,120 | 1,098 |
| Total IAS 19 deficit, net | (69) | (71) |
| Allocated to other participating employers | 39 | 40 |
| Company's share of IAS 19 deficit, net | (30) | (31) |
Details of the Company's share capital and merger relief reserve are provided in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements. Movements in shareholders' equity are shown in the parent Company statement of changes in equity.
The closing merger relief reserve of £32m relates to the shares issued in consideration to the sellers of EcoPack/EcoPaper.
The reserve for the Company's own shares comprises the cost of the Company's shares held by the Group. The Group operates a General Employee Benefit Trust, which acquires shares in the Company that can be used to satisfy the requirements of the Performance Share Plan. At 30 April 2021, the Trust held 1.2m shares (30 April 2020: 1.5m shares). The market value of the shares at 30 April 2021 was £5.2m (30 April 2020: £4.7m). Dividends receivable on the shares owned by the Trust have been waived.
As at 30 April 2021, the Company had distributable reserves of £1,688m (30 April 2020: £1,336m).
Included within cash and cash equivalents is £nil (30 April 2020: £nil) restricted for use by the Company.
Where the Company enters into financial guarantee contracts to guarantee the indebtedness of other companies within the Group, the Company considers these to be insurance arrangements and accounts for them as such. In this respect, the Company treats the guarantee contract as a contingent liability until such time as it becomes probable that the Company will be required to make a payment under the guarantee. At 30 April 2021, these guarantees amounted to £5m (30 April 2020: £5m).
The Company has identified the Directors of the Company, its key management personnel and the UK pension scheme as related parties. Details of the relevant relationships with these related parties are disclosed in the Remuneration Committee report, and note 31 to the consolidated financial statements respectively.
Auditor's remuneration in respect of the Company is detailed in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
| Continuing operations | 2017 £m |
2018 £m |
2019 £m |
2020 £m |
2021 £m |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 4,540 | 5,518 | 6,171 | 6,043 | 5,976 |
| Operating profit1 | 405 | 492 | 631 | 660 | 502 |
| Amortisation | (63) | (90) | (114) | (143) | (142) |
| Share of profit of equity-accounted investments before adjusting items, net of tax |
3 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Net financing costs before adjusting items | (56) | (62) | (71) | (87) | (78) |
| Profit before taxation and adjusting items | 289 | 345 | 455 | 437 | 287 |
| Acquisitions and divestments | (7) | (28) | (32) | (4) | (5) |
| Other adjusting items | (55) | (57) | (73) | (65) | (51) |
| Profit before income tax | 227 | 260 | 350 | 368 | 231 |
| Adjusted earnings per share1 | 27.3p | 30.7p | 33.3p | 33.2p | 24.2p |
| Dividends per share | 14.1p | 14.4p | 16.2p | n/a | 12.1p |
| Return on sales2 | 8.9% | 8.9% | 10.2% | 10.9% | 8.4% |
| Adjusted return on average capital employed1,2,3 | 14.3% | 13.7% | 13.6% | 10.6% | 8.2% |
Before amortisation and adjusting items.
Adjusted return on average capital employed is defined as operating profit before amortisation and adjusting items divided by average capital employed.
Average capital employed is the average monthly capital employed for the last 12 months. Capital employed is made up of property, plant and equipment, rightof-use assets, goodwill and intangible assets, working capital, capital debtors/creditors, provisions, biological assets and assets/liabilities held for sale. Assets and liabilities relating to discontinued operations are excluded. The definition of capital employed is different from the definition of managed capital as defined in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, which consists of equity as presented in the consolidated statement of financial position, plus net debt.
| 7 September 2021 | Annual General Meeting |
|---|---|
| 9 December 2021* | Announcement of half-year results for the six months ended 31 October 2021 |
| 9 June 2022* | Announcement of full-year results for the year ended 30 April 2022 |
* Provisional date
The Company's website at www.dssmith.com contains the latest information for shareholders, including press releases and an updated financial diary. Email alerts of the latest news, press releases and financial reports about the Company may be obtained by registering for the email news alert service on the website.
The latest price of the Company's ordinary shares is available on www.londonstockexchange.com. DS Smith's ticker symbol is SMDS. It is recommended that you consult your financial adviser and verify information obtained before making any investment decision.
Please contact the Registrar at the above right address to advise of a change of address or for any enquiries relating to dividend payments, lost share certificates or other share registration matters. The Registrar provides online facilities at www.shareview.co.uk. Once you have registered you will be able to access information on your DS Smith Plc shareholding, update your personal details and amend your dividend payment instructions online without having to call or write to the Registrar.
Shareholders who wish to have their dividends paid directly into a bank or building society account should contact the Registrar. In addition, the Registrar is now able to pay dividends to over 90 different countries. This service enables the payment of your dividends directly into your bank account in your home currency. For international payments, a charge is deducted from each dividend payment to cover the costs involved. Please contact the Registrar to request further information.
The Registrar offers a real-time telephone and internet dealing service for the UK. Further details including terms and rates can be obtained by logging on to the website at www.shareview.co.uk/ dealing or by calling 0345 603 7037. Lines are open between 8am and 4.30pm, UK time, Monday to Friday.
Registered Office
Iain Simm DS Smith Plc 350 Euston Road London NW1 3AX Registered in England No: 1377658
Deloitte LLP
Hill House 1 Little New Street
Solicitor Slaughter and May
One Bunhill Row London EC1Y 8YY
Stockbroker
Citigroup
Citigroup Centre 33 Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5LB
25 Bank Street Canary Wharf London E14 5JP
Equiniti
Aspect House Spencer Road Lancing West Sussex BN99 6DA
Information on how to manage your shareholdings can be found at https://help.shareview.co.uk. The pages at this web address provide answers to commonly asked questions regarding shareholder registration, links to downloadable forms and guidance notes. If your question is not answered by the information provided, you can send your enquiry via secure email from these pages. You will be asked to complete a structured form and to provide your shareholder reference, name and address.
You will also need to provide your email address if this is how you would like to receive your response. In the UK you can telephone 0371 384 2197. Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. For call charges, please check with your provider as costs may vary. For overseas, telephone +44 (0) 121 415 7047.
This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the operations, performance and financial condition of the Group. By their nature, these statements involve uncertainty since future events and circumstances can cause results and developments to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this report and DS Smith Plc undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing contained in this report should be construed as a profit forecast.
Pages 1 to 109 consist of a Strategic Report and Directors' report (including the Directors' remuneration report) that have been drawn up and presented in accordance with and in reliance upon applicable English company law. The liability of the Directors in connection with such reports shall be subject to the limitation and restrictions provided by, and shall be no greater than is required by, applicable English company law.
350 Euston Road London NW1 3AX
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7756 1800 www.dssmith.com
@dssmith.group
DS Smith
DS Smith
Printed in the UK by Principal Colour Ltd on Revive 100% recycled offset and Revive 100% recycled silk.
Both manufactured at a mill certified to both ISO 14001 and FSC® accredited.
Principal Colour Ltd are certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and FSC® accredited.
Designed and produced by Black Sun Plc (London) +44 (0) 20 7736 0011
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.