Pre Close Trading Update

27 April 2017

DS Smith Plc - pre close trading statement

Another year of good delivery

DS Smith Plc, the leading supplier of recycled packaging for consumer goods, today issues a pre-close trading update in respect of the year ending 30 April 2017.

The business continues to perform in line with our expectations, as described in our trading update of 9 March. Volume growth has been good, built on the strength of our relationships with pan-European and e-commerce customers and we expect to deliver on all our five medium term financial targets. The integration and performance of recently acquired businesses is progressing well, having expanded our position in corrugated packaging in Iberia, in point of sale capability in Europe, and in flexible plastic packaging in the US.

Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, said:

"We are pleased with the performance in the year, despite challenging economic conditions and have seen DS Smith grow again, both organically and through acquisitions. Our success is underpinned by our commitment to packaging that is innovative and adds value to our customers, throughout their global supply chains and also by a focus on our own global supply chain efficiency. This approach, together with momentum in our business and opportunities to further strengthen our customer offering, gives us confidence in the future."  

Forthcoming Dates

Enquiries

DS Smith Plc                                                                  +44 (0)20 7756 1800

Hugo Fisher, Group Communications Director

Rachel Stevens, Investor Relations Director

Bell Pottinger

John Sunnucks                                                                +44 (0)20 3772 2549

Ben Woodford                                                                 +44 (0)20 3772 2566

Cautionary statement

This announcement 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 announcement and DS Smith plc undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing in this trading statement should be construed as a profit forecast.