Annual Report 2010
Transcripción
Annual Report 2010
1 Annual Report 2010 2 Index Pág. 1. Letter from the chairman 5 2. Management bodies 8 3. Europac in figures 10 4. Our presence in Europe 12 5. Integration chain 13 6. Milestones 2010 14 7. Capital structure 17 8. Business lines 18 8.1. Waste management 18 8.2. Kraftliner paper 19 8.3. Recicled paper 21 8.4. Power 24 8.5. Cardboard 25 9. Structure 28 9.1. Resource Division 28 9.2. Human Resources 29 10. Environment 33 11. Events subsequent to year end 35 12. Europac on Stock Exchange 36 13. Reference guide to solutions and products 40 14. Companies belonging to the Europac Group 42 3 Annual Report 2010 4 1. Letter from the chairman Dear Shareholder, As our annual report goes to press, I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about Europac Group’s business activity last year. First of all, I would like to point out that 2010 has been a year of recovery for our company despite the difficult economic situation that still persists in many of our main markets. On the whole, it should be stressed that the improvement in our results has not only been due to the situation of the industry. Achieving the targets set in the Strategic Plan 2007-2010, which led to an investment in excess of 300 million euros, along with efficient management and the effort in making adjustments, have all contributed towards strengthening our project during the crisis. Not all our business lines performed in a satisfactory manner in 2010. In broad terms, the results for the year have been underpinned by the performance of kraftliner paper and energy. Recycled paper has improved significantly over 2009, but we still cannot consider results in this business line to be back to normal. Meanwhile, corrugated cardboard has been hard hit by the consumption crisis and, in consequence, its performance has been frankly disappointing. However, since 2007 Europac has grown by over 200% in paper recovery, by 16% and 96% in production capacity of kraftliner and recycled paper respectively, by 94% in installed power, and by 85% in cardboard production. We have taken advantage of this difficult economic situation to grow solidly. Today Europac Group operates in Spain, France and Portugal with a sound and profitable business model. Such growth levels, moreover, form part of a business model that is sustainable as well as socially and environmentally committed. This commitment to the environment, best exemplified by the use of 100% recycled or renewable materials, requires a significant investment which increases the manufacturing cost of our products. We accept this extra cost as the price of remaining true to our corporate social responsibility policy. 2010 Results The results recorded last year, although the best in the history of Europac, have not been enough. Despite an unfavourable economic environment, there is room for 5 Annual Report 2010 improvement in the margins of businesses such as recycled paper or corrugated cardboard. The Company’s Ebitda for 2010 was 95.25 million euros, 172% over that of 2009, while overall sales of 806.85 million euros accounted for a growth of 40% over the year before. On the other hand, the year was marked by a gradual improvement in results, translating into an Ebitda of 60.81 million euros in the second half-year compared with 34.44 million in the first, and net results of 24.23 million compared to 2.19 recorded for the first half-year. This scenario has enabled the Board of Directors of the Company to distribute an interim dividend of 0.07 euros per share attributable to 2010 and, furthermore, to propose at the next Annual General Meeting the distribution of a final dividend of 0.05 euros, bringing the total to a gross 0.12 euros per share, which represents a payout of close to 40%, a policy which we hope to maintain in the coming years if our business performance so allows. Investments As for investments made in 2010, the most notable has been the implementation of the two cogeneration combined-cycle power plants and the start of our activity in the sector of paper recovery and management in Spain. Furthermore, from the SCA Group we acquired the assets of a cardboard company in France with an annual production of 64 million m2, although these assets did not become part of the group corporate structure until January 2011. “Europac results over the next few years will improve if the margins in businesses such as recycled paper or cardboard should recover”. In the area of power generation, a regulated and stable activity linked to the paper production business, the investment made has enabled us to increase the installed power by 94%, from 79MW in 2009 to 153MW in 2010. The combined-cycle plants in Dueñas and Viana do Castelo are working at full capacity, so that 2011 will be the first full year of the new facilities, which should generate stable and recurring Ebitda with a contribution of close to 30% to Europac’s total Ebitda. Lastly, in October 2010 the company acquired the paper recovery business based in Valladolid, Salcedo e Hijos S.A., which at that time was managing 18,000 annual metric tons of recovered paper. Including the two paper processing centres in Portugal, the company plans to manage 200,000 metric tons of recovered paper in 2011, which will enable us to supply to ourselves 26% of our requirements for this product. This corporate operation is part of the Europac Recicla project, a Europac Group initiative which aims to make the group an overall paper management facility offering an integral service to all its customers, where each waste item becomes an opportunity from an economic and sustainable perspective. 6 Share performance The first half-year of 2010 saw a downward trend to Europac shares, reaching the annual low of 2.57 euros per share on 26 May. However, as a result of proven positive business performance, the price gradually improved. The share price closed 2010 at 3.50 euros, 5% lower than year-end 2009 (while the IBEX 35 lost 17%) and 36% up on the annual low. We believe that the market does not yet reflect the true potential of the company based on risk diversification and the integration that characterises our business model as it stands today. New Strategic Plan Following the effort made over the last four years, it is now time to reward the shareholders for the trust they have placed in the Europac project. We shall continue to consider opportunities appearing on the market as we have done to date, particularly in paper recovery management through Europac Recicla, but the priority over the next few years will be the organic growth of the group and the consolidation of the investments made to date. “The New Strategic Plan 2011-2015 plans to recover the dividend distribution policy in order to reward shareholders for the trust placed in the company.” These objectives will be reflected in the New Strategic Plan 2011-2015, to be presented in the second half of this financial year. Following the geographical expansion undertaken by the company over the last few years, one of the main aims of the plan will be to recover the shareholder remuneration policy through dividend distribution. Finally, I want to express my trust that the growth experienced in 2010 will prove sustainable over time and will increase in some business areas thanks to the effort and hard work of the over 2,100 collaborators of the Europac Group. 7 Annual Report 2010 2. Management bodies Board of directors • Mr José Miguel Isidro Rincón: Executive Director • Mr Enrique Isidro Rincón: Executive Director • Mr Fernando Isidro Rincón: Executive Director • Tres Azul, S.L.: Represented by Mr. Fernando Padrón Estarriol. Executive Director • Cartera Industrial REA, S.A.: Represented by Mr Antonio González-Adalid GarcíaZozaya. Representative Director • Mr Francisco Javier Soriano Arosa: Representative Director • Mr Jorque Requejo Liberal: Independent Director • Mr Vicente Guilarte Gutiérrez: Independent Director • Mr Juan Jordano Pérez: Independent Director • Ms. Sol Fernández-Rañada López-Doriga: Non-Director Secretary of the Board of Directors 8 Executive committee • Chairman (Executive Director): Mr José Miguel Isidro Rincón • Member (Executive Director): Mr Enrique Isidro Rincón • Member (Representative Director): Cartera Industrial REA, S.A. • Member (Independent Director: Mr Juan Jordano Pérez Audit committee • Chairman (Independent Director): Mr Vicente Guilarte Gutiérrez • Member (Executive Director): Mr Fernando Isidro Rincón • Member (Independent Director): Mr Juan Jordano Pérez Appointments and remuneration committee • Chairman (Independent Director) : Mr. Jorge Requejo Liberal • Member (Executive Director): Mr Fernando Isidro Rincón • Member (Representative Director): Cartera Industrial REA, S.A. • Member (Independent Director):Mr Juan Jordano Pérez 9 Annual Report 2010 3. Europac in figures Sales (in millions of euros) Staffing trends (headcount) 900 2000 675 1900 450 1800 225 1700 1600 0 2008 2009 2010 2008 2009 2010 Average number of employers Consolidated sales Agregate sales 2008 2009 2010 Consolidated sales 424 434 616 Aggregate sales 595 578 806 Average number of employees 2008 2009 2010 1699 1955 1923 “Aggregate sales in 2010 amounted to 806 million euros, 40% over the previous year” Paper production (in thousands of metric tons) Fixed assets (in millions of euros) 600 900 575 675 550 450 525 225 0 500 2007 2008 2008 2009 Net assets 2009 Recycled paper 2010 Total Kraftliner paper Net assets 10 2008 2009 2010 506 587 592 2008 2009 2010 Recycled paper Kraftliner paper 385 445 552 308 305 346 Total 693 750 868 Ebitda (in million of euros) Power production (in thousands of MW/h) 1000 100 750 75 500 50 250 25 0 2008 2009 0 2010 Thousands of MW/h Thousands of MW/h 2008 2009 2010 Millions of euros 2008 2009 2010 585 592 939 Millions of euros 2008 2009 2010 66,68 35,02 95,25 “Europac’s Ebitda in 2010 increased by 172% over the previous year, exceeding 95 million euros” Production of cardboard and boxes (in millions of m²) 600 450 300 150 0 2008 2009 2010 Cardboard Boxes Cardboard Boxes 2008 2009 2010 341 425 559 231 325 445 11 Annual Report 2010 4. Our presence in Europe (01.01.2011) The Europac Group has 34 industrial facilities in Spain, France and Portugal • Spain: 1 waste material recovery company, 3 recycled paper machines, 7 processors, 2 corrugators and 3 co-generator power facilities • France: 1 recycled paper machine and 4 corrugators • Portugal: 2 waste materials recovery companies, 1 kraftliner paper machine, 4 corrugators, 3 processors, 1 biomass boiler and 2 co-generator power facilities. Recovered Spain France Portugal ER Valladolid - ER Lisboa ER Porto - - EK Viana EP Rouen - - EE Viana EC Rouen EC Savoie EC Atlantique EC Val de Seine EE Gilhabreau EE Leiria EE Albarraque EC Ovar EC Madeira Kraftliner Recycled Power Cardboard Dueñas Alcolea Dueñas Alcolea Dueñas Alcolea Torrelavit Riba Roja C. Soler C. Mimó C. Marcuello C. Santander I.C Asturiana Waste management Paper production Power generation Cardboard and packaging Shareholdings in cardboard and packaging 12 Cartocer 5. Integration chain ENERGY GENERTAION: 153 MW RECOVERY 2011: 200.000 TPY Recycled paper 2011e: 600.000 TPY FORESTRY 2011: 700 Ha KraAliner paper 2011: 350.000 TPY 100% BOXES 2011: 535 Mm2 CARDBOARD SHEETS 2011: 664 Mm2 RECYCLED:60% / KRAFT:18% 81% THE INTEGRATION OF THE BUSINESS LINES IS ONE OF THE GRURPO EUROPAC´S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES INTEGRATION IS A SUSTAINBILITY FACTOR FORESTY 700 Ha PAPER PRODUCTION 4 INSTALATIONS 350.000 TPA KLB 600.000 TPA REC POWER 153 MW PAPER RECOVERY CARDBOARD PRODUCTION 3 INSTALATIONS 200.000 TPY 11 INSTALATIONS 664 MILLIONS M2 PACKAGES PRODUCTS AND FINAL CONSUMER 13 Annual Report 2010 6. Milestones 2010 1 JANUARY Right at the start of the year, the price increase for kraftliner paper to 60€ per metric ton, announced by Europac on 19 November of the previous year, came into effect. The price rise was applied to all customers due to the structural deficit in the European market and the falling paper exports from the United States, which led to a constant fall of European stocks, at times causing logistical supply difficulties in Europe. 26 JANUARY The Company announced the first rise in the price of recycled paper in the year, by 60€ per metric ton. The price rise was applied as of 1 February to all European customers, except for Spain and Portugal. This increase in the price of recycled paper followed the consolidation of another rise of 90€ announced in September 2009 in those same markets. 15 FEBRUARY Europac annnounced that it would increase the price of recycled paper in Spain and Portugal by 60€ per metric ton as of 16 February to all group customers in the Iberian Peninsula. This was the first price rise applied in these markets since the beginning of the crisis, whereas price rises had already been announced for the rest of Europe of 160€ per metric tone as of the month of September of the year before. 14 2 MARCH The company announced that, as of 1 April, it would apply a new increase in the price of kraftliner paper of 60€ per metric ton in all markets due to the cost pressure of raw materials and energy. 4 MARCH The Europac Group published a report on the situation of the European market for packaging paper. The document concluded that, following the restructuring carried out in the sector, the balance between supply and demand of paper, and the strength of the order portfolios in a context of low stocks and rising prices of raw materials, the time was right to announce new increases in the price of paper to enable product margins to be recovered. 11 MARCH Europac announced a new increase in the price of recycled paper of 70€ per metric ton for brown paper qualities and of 40€ per metric ton for white paper qualities. This was applied to all customers in the Iberian Peninsula as of 16 March. 23 MARCH The company announced an increase in the price of recycled paper of 60€ per metric ton as of 1 April in all European markets, except for Spain and Portugal. The measure was due to a rise in the price of recovered paper, which is the raw material used in the production of recycled paper, in a context of low stocks and strong order books. 19 APRIL Europac announced that a new price rise of 50€ per metric ton would be applied as of 1 June to kraftliner paper in all markets. 26 APRIL The Board of Directors of Europac, as had been approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders held on 25 May 2009, agreed to begin proceedings to exclude from trading on the Euronext Lisbon the shares representing the capital of the Company listed on that market. Europac shares were excluded from being traded on Euronext Lisbon as of 26 May 2010. 15 Annual Report 2010 18 JUNE Europac announced to the market that, in accordance with the ruling of 30 April 2010, the Department for the Economy and Industry of the Xunta de Galicia (Governing Body of the Autonomous Region of Galicia) agreed to approve the draft project of the Renova Generación de Energías Renovables S.L., a subsidiary in which Europac owns a shareholding of 32.57%, concerning the biomass plant located in the town of Curtis with a 10MW production capacity, which was the first definitive selection of a winning bid for this company. 22 JULY The Europac Group announced that it would raise the sale price of its entire range of papers by 60€ per metric ton as of 1 September. The strength of an unprecedented order book enabled the announcement of a new rise in the price of kraftliner and recycled paper, thus improving margins on these products. 26 OCTOBER The Europac Group entered an agreement to purchase Salcedo e Hijos S.A., a company based in Valladolid, that has become its first centre in Spain dedicated to the strategic business of paper recovery and management. At the time of the purchase, the company processed 18,000 metric tones per year of recovered paper, although Europac’s expectations have been to significantly increase this amount. 19 NOVEMBER The Executive Committee of Europac agreed to begin the capital increase approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders on 29 June, consisting of the delivery free of charge of one new share for every twelve old shares. This enabled the Company to issue 6,658,471 new shares of a face value of two euros each, through a share capital increase of 13,316,942.00 euros. 13 DECEMBER The Europac Group acquired the assets of a new corrugated cardboard company in France which belonged to the Scandinavian paper group SCA. The operation was carried out by assigning the goodwill and all operating assets of the facility to Europac Cartonnerie de Rouen (ECR), a 100% owned subsidiary of the Europac Group in France. The new cardboard company consumes 40,000 metric tons of paper a year, which shall be gradually added to the paper machines of the group. 16 7. Capital structure Date: 1 May 2011 / Source: CNMV 6.954% 6.442% 5.002% 36.855% 4.719% 40.028% 17 Annual Report 2010 8. Business lines 8.1 Waste management 2010 was a favourable year for the paper recovery sector, where the strength in demand for this raw material resulted in successive product price increases enabling margins to be increased. In this promising market situation, aggregate sales increased to 17.62 million euros, over double that of the year before, while the Ebitda grew by over 379% after recording 1.69 million euros. In this regard, the management of recovered paper in 2010 increased by more than 13% reaching 153,000 metric tons following the company’s purchase of the assets of the Valladolid company Salcedo e Hijos S.A., which at the time processed 18,000 metric tons per year of recovered paper. This operation contributed towards 20% of the demand for this raw material in 2010 being self-supplied. This purchase is part of the ‘Europac Recicla’ project, aimed at increasing the presence of the company in the paper recovery sector. “2010 was a favourable year for the paper recovery sector, marked by the strength of demand and the price increases in this raw material” “One of Europac’s objectives over the next few years is to grow in the paper recovery management sector” 18 8.2 Kraftliner paper The performance of kraftliner paper throughout 2010 was marked by the strength in demand, with a one-month order backlog all year round, which translated into an increase in sale prices and improved product margins. Specifically, the price of kraftliner increased by over 45% from its historical minimum recorded in September 2009, when the first price increases began to be announced, until it reached 604.2 euros per metric ton according to Foex. We must remember the structural deficit of around 25% existent in the European kraftliner paper market and the fact that the Portuguese facility of the company in Viana do Castelo is the most efficient production centre in Southern Europe. This deficit has been regularly offset by exports from North America, but the production cut-offs in that market, as a result of the withdrawal of subsidies for black liquor consumption in the United States at the end of 2009, reduced the influence of imports in 2010 despite the upturn in the last quarter. The total volume of kraftliner output in Europe in 2010 was 3.4 million metric tons, the highest volume recorded since 2003. This reflects the improvement in European demand, which according to the European Confederation of Paper Indutries (CEPI) increased by 6.8% compared to 2009. 19 Annual Report 2010 Stocks and raw materials In 2010, the stocks of kraftliner paper in Europe decreased until the month of September, when 148,547 metric tons were recorded, and picked up in the last quarter to a level of 184,547 metric tons. This increase towards year end is usual and despite the 4% rise over year-end 2009, it is still 10% below that of 2008. 2008, 2009 Y 2010 YEARLY PEFORMANCE OF EUROPEAN STOCKS KRAFTLINER PAPER jan febmar aprmay jun jul aug sep oct nov dec “The Ebitda of the kraftliner paper business line amounted to 52.14 million, 197% over that of the previous year, due to the favourable performance of demand and the increase in margins” As for raw materials, the price for pine and eucalyptus wood remained stable during the second half of 2010, with an adjustment having taken place in the last quarter following the maximum levels reached in August. The price of recovered paper maintained the upward trend exhibited the year before until March 2010. From that time through to May it remained steady, then fell in June due to a drop in exports to China and remained stable until November, to subsequently rise in December. Improvement in results This favourable market situation enabled the gradual introduction into the market 20 of the price increases announced over the months of January, April, June and September 2010. In this regard, the aggregate sales rose to 199.95 million euros, 42% more than in 2009, and the Ebitda recorded was 52.14 million euros, 197% higher than that of the year before. “During the months of January, April, June and September 2010, the announced price increases were gradually introduced into the market” During 2010 the kraftliner paper machine at the company worked at full capacity and exceeded 345,000 metric tons, accounting for an increase of 13% over the previous year and proves the efficiency of the machine at Viana do Castelo. In fact, the company benefited all throughout 2010 from the measures introduced in September 2009, which enabled an increase in production capacity of 30,000 metric tons a year, from 320,000 to 350,000 metric tons. On the other hand, one of the relevant projects during 2010 was to continue to develop the paper known as Vianaliner, a new paper which the group began to market in 2009 and which last year accounted for almost 12% of the overall production of the Portuguese factory. The composition of this type of paper, based on tree fibre and using a percentage of recycled paper of around 35%, enables Europac to operate in very specific market niches where packaging needs were not being met by recycled or kraftliner paper. “During 2010 the kraftliner machine at Viana do Castelo worked at full capacity and the production volume was 13.2% higher than that of the previous year”. 8.3 Recycled paper Throughout 2010, the growing demand for recycled paper, within a context of production cut-offs and low stock levels in Europe, enabled the recycled paper machines of the group in Dueñas (Palencia), Alcolea de Cinca (Huesca) and Rouen (France) to work at full capacity during the year. This circumstance has led to the recovery of prices to pre-financial crisis levels and an improvement in the margins. The production cut-offs mentioned above have taken place in Western Europe, our area of influence, whereas the opening of new production capabilities has taken place in Eastern Europe. No additional productions are expected in our main mar21 Annual Report 2010 kets until 2012 in Germany and 2013 in the United Kingdom. Also, following the historical lows recorded in the third quarter of 2009, the market repercussion of the price rises announced in 2010 translated into an increase in sale prices of Testliner 2 and RB Fluting recycled papers of 30.2% and 35.9% according to Foex, reaching 443.6 euros and 419.0 euros per metric ton, respectively. “The improvement in demand within a context of production cut-offs and low stock levels has translated into price recovery and improvement in the margins of recycled paper” Stocks and raw materials 2010 Weekly Evolution of European Recycled Paper Stock As for the levels of European recycled paper stocks, according to the European Confederation of Paper Industries (CEPI), at the close of the year there was an increase of 4.1% over the same period in 2009, with a stock in week 52 of 460,152 metric tons. Despite the increase of this figure, stocks remain low. With regards to raw materials, the first quarter of 2010 saw the upturn in the price of recovered paper in Europe, triggered by the increase of exports to China, but as of March, the prices for raw materials remained stable in the brown qualities and rose slightly during the last quarter of the year in white qualities. 22 Performance of results In 2010, the recycled paper business made a considerable improvement registering an Ebitda of 14.3 million compared to the negative Ebitda of -10.3 million in 2009. Production rose 17.1% generating a total of 521,889 metric tons, whereas sales in 2010 increased to 290,100 metric tons, 8.5% over that of the same period in the previous year. The Iberian Peninsula accounted for the largest increase in output out of all the European economies, with a 23% rise in 2010 over the preceding year. “The introduction of the price increases announced in 2010 is reflected in an increase in aggregate sales volumes of 43% having posted 199.7 million euros” In addition, the introduction of the price increases announced in 2010 and their repercussion on improved product margins is reflected in aggregate sales of 199.7 million euros, accounting for an improvement of 43.4% over that of 2009. Moreover, the production volume in Rouen during 2010 was 18.2% over that of the year before thanks to the implementation of an efficiency improvement plan carried out on the paper machine. Specifically, the daily efficiency of the machine has improved by 16% since the start of the plan, achieving an overall efficiency level of 85%. “Improved demand and sales prices partially offset the price increase of recovered paper, the raw material of this product”. 23 Annual Report 2010 8.4 Power In 2010, the start-up of two combined-cycle co-generators at the paper plants in Dueñas and Viana do Castelo, with a joint installed power of 74 megawatts (MW), played a key role in the power generation business. The new facilities enabled the company’s electricity production capacity to increase by 94%, from 79 MW in 2009 to 153 MW in 2010. “The start up of the two combined-cycle facilities with a joint installed power of 74 megawatts enabled a 94% increase in the company’s production capacity” The combined-cycle plant at Dueñas (35 MW) was started up in March 2010 and was operating at full capacity in June, whereas the plant at Viana do Castelo (39 MW) began operating in July and reached full capacity in November 2010. Given this development, the cumulative Ebitda in the power generation business during 2010 was 119% higher than that of the previous year, mainly due to the start up of the two new combined-cycle plants and the greater production and sale of power as a result of the paper machines of the group working at full capacity throughout the period. Furthermore, the cogeneration plant of Alcolea de Cinca began to apply the system of integral export of electricity to the grid as of 15 July 2009, so that 2010 became the first full year in which the facility worked in this manner. Albeit to a lesser extent, this was another factor which contributed to the improvement of the operating results of power generation in 2010. 24 “The cumulative Ebitda of the business during 2010 was 119% higher than that for 2009 due to the start up of the new combined cycled plants and the paper machines working at full capacity” 8.5 Cardboard The cardboard business in 2010 was characterised by continuous increases in the price of paper, its main raw material, which led to a reduction of margins. There has also been a notable increase in volume of 90 Million square metres, due to the incorporation to the company of Europac Cartonnerie Atlantique (ECA) and Europac Cartonnerie Savoie (ECS), two factories which, until June 2009, belonged to the Mundi Group and that reached their first full year under the management of the Cardboard Division of Europac in 2010. These corporate operations carried out in France since 2008 have enabled the Europac Group to achieve a market share of 7%, a percentage which accounts for 12-14% in the Iberian Peninsula. In spite of the drop in the Ebitda of this business due to the aforementioned narrowing of margins, the addition of new facilities and the organic growth experienced during 2010 has enabled the production of corrugated cardboard to increase to 559,275 square kilometres, over 32% compared to 2009. In parallel, aggregate sales increased in the same proportion, and totalling 267.73 million euros. 25 Annual Report 2010 Innovation Given this scenario, the Cardboard Division of Europac carried out a significant cost cutting plan which has resulted in a reduction of the cost per square metre and improved productivity, while having redoubled its support for innovation as a means to add value to its products. This approach means working alongside customers to assess needs and offer solutions that add value. One of such solutions is the ‘TrayPAC’ corrugated cardboard tray, which began to be produced in June 2010 and of which several million units have already been sold. This is a recyclable and sustainable alternative to polystyrene trays for fruit and vegetables, although it can be used for other sectors such as pizza deliveries or airline catering. Furthermore, it offers branding opportunities, as it can be printed allowing customers to generate greater brand awareness. Another product is ‘Europal’, a corrugated cardboard pallet that offers a highly costeffective alternative to those of treated wood, which are normally used for export. It only weighs five kilos compared to the twenty-five or thirty kilos in weight of wooden pallets, which renders them easier to handle and reduces the risk of occupational accidents. Growth in France On the other hand, 2010 witnessed the ongoing trend of corporate growth in France, an economy that is beginning to show signs of recovery and which accounts for 40% of the company’s current market share in corrugated cardboard. A result of this strategy has been the purchase in December 2010 of the SCA plant in Gasny (France). “2010 saw an increase in volume of 90 million square metres in the first full year of operation of Europac Cartonnerie Atlantique (ECA) and Europac Cartonnerie Savoie (ECS)” The operation did not become effective until 1 January and therefore, Europac Cartonnerie Val de Siene (ECVdS) did not affect group accounts in 2010. The facility produces 64 million square metres of corrugated cardboard and uses 40,000 metric tons of paper per year. This purchase enables Europac to continue growing in terms of business integration and market share in France. From a strategic perspective, the operation increases the commercial coverage in Northern France and helps to relieve the pressure on ECA, which was working at maximum production capacity, by transferring goodwill close to the new facility. Additionally, the new plant is 45 kilometres away from the group’s recycled paper factory in Rouen‚ which will lead to considerable savings in transport costs. 26 “In a complex scenario, the company has redoubled its support for innovation seeking to add value to its products” Europac Management Way In addition, 2010 has witnessed the definition and implementation of a single management model in all the group companies, to be properly developed in 2011, under the name of ‘Europac Management Way’ (EMW). EMW implies productivity monitoring, immediate decision-making, a specific plan of action when targets are not met and a logistics meeting to follow-up performance. In short, it consists of a number of weekly, monthly, yearly and three-yearly meetings designed to ensure that what is carried out by the entire organisation on a daily basis is in line with the strategic plans of the Europac Group. “The purchase of Europac Cartonnerie Val de Seine (ECVdS) enables an increase in cardboard production in France of 64 million square metres a year” PowerPAC Initiative Among the projects of the Cardboard Division for this year is the development of PowerPAC, an initiative designed to encourage the company’s position in the French market as a supplier of heavy duty packaging Solutions. It is worth mentioning that three of the four cardboard companies of the group in France are capable of manufacturing triplex cardboard, used in this type of packaging, which mainly services the car and furniture industries. 27 Annual Report 2010 9. Structure 9.1 Resource Division Among the main initiatives undertaken by the Resource Division in 2010 has been the consolidation of the organisation of the risk department in France, having implemented the full risk policy of the group. The development of a project led by the Executive Committee, which involves the review of the business and organisation model of the company in order to manage growth potential in the future, has also been important. On the other hand, the first quarter of the year saw the implementation of a model to review the 12-month cash forecasts in all legal entities, which has been improved month by month in the treasury committee meetings. Likewise, a new accounting policy plan was established for the entire group seeking to standardise rules among the various companies and countries to help reporting and consolidation processes of group accounting. In 2010, 11 internal audits were carried out thus furthering the project begun in 2006 to review, define and publish all basic operating procedures on the intranet. In the last quarter of the year, the Management Committee approved the new systems plan for 2011-2013. This plan consists of the continuation of the objectives established in the previous plan of simplification of infrastructures and standardisation of applications. The main projects carried out during the year, such as the continuation of the implementation of COPA for cost control and price proposal analysis in Portugal, the upgrade of the group’s SAP and the beginning of the group-wide server concentration process, among others, have translated into a cost reduction of over 20%, and he goal is to increase this percentage to 50% this new year. Finally, the name of all Portuguese legal entities was changed, replacing the Portucel identity with Europac; in December 2010, the Departments of the Economy and Finance of Portugal issued a certification stating compliance of investment obligations related to the privatisation of 65% of the public entity Gescartão‚ SGPS‚ S.A. “In December 2010 the Portuguese government acknowledged compliance by the company of all obligations arising from the privatisation process of Gescartão” “Among the main initiatives of 2010 is the development of a project designed to review the business and organisation model of the company” 28 9.2 Human Resources During the last year, the Europac Group continued with the management and development of human resources, one of the most important sources of competitive advantage. The main objective has been to continue to develop policies designed to standardise the various divisions and improve the integration and involvement of all members of the Company. This broad scope of action was supported with the encouragement of policies of equal opportunities, non-discrimination and workhome reconciliation. Distribution of Employees by country Spain 28% Portugal 43% France 29% “In spite of the unfavourable economic situation, the company staff was reduced by less than 3% in 2010” Career development The various training actions under way aim to further technical and management skills, acquire greater knowledge of new technologies and improve language. These training initiatives were organised into several Training Plans, including external training at a postgraduate level. 2010 saw the ongoing development of the Fénix Project, begun in 2009 as the corporate initiative for identification and development of professional and management potential of company staff. To this end, a mentoring programme was established for young employees who, thanks to the support of experienced professionals, are able to discover the professional development opportunities offered by the company. 29 Annual Report 2010 In addition, the Human Resources Division began in 2010 a project for recruitment of young professionals under the name of Proyecto Cantera. Once they had completed the induction programme, they were assigned to develop their professional duties in tranversal projects of an international nature enabling them to gain first hand and in-depth experience of technical, organisational and production processes, as well as the culture of different countries, seeking to foster an international mentality that shall be one of the basic skills of professional development in the immediate future. Training plans Investment Hours Number of persons Resource Division € 88.557 1.636 135 Paper Division € 223.667 5.829 968 Cardboard Division € 332.808 15.084 696 TOTAL € 645.032 22.549 1.799 30 On the other hand, the second editions of the Management Development Programme took place, designed for work team leaders to boost the development of the skills and techniques required for efficient people and work team management. Personal action plans were drawn up with individual coaching sessions, with special emphasis on the development of management styles, improvement of basic leadership aspects and global business perspective. “The second edition of the “Management Development Programme” designed to boost efficient management of people and teams was held in 2010” General EUROPAC GROUP Cumulative number of accidents with sick leave Cumulative frequency index with sick leave Cumulative severity index Performance 2009 - 2010 -17,30% -16, 20% -13,90% 31 Annual Report 2010 Occupational risk prevention The improvement of prevention culture and a better integration of safety and security activities have led to a 17.3% reduction in accidents in 2010. Other indicators related to occupational accidents have also been reduced, as is shown in the table below. The downward trend of these data coincides with the increase in hours of training in safety and security matters. 2010 has thus included courses on fire prevention, drills, first aid, awareness and training on specific job risks, among others. On the other hand, risk assessments in all work centres have been reviewed and updated, and included in a single document. “Improvements in prevention culture and a better integration of safety activities have managed to reduce accident rates by 17.3 % during this last year” In addition, in-house audits have been carried out in all production centres in the company, identifying aspects to be improved both in safety conditions and management Systems. On this basis, action plans have been drawn up to be implemented in 2011 to correct and improve any deficiencies detected. 32 10. Environment Europac Group’s commitment to sustainable development and respect for the environment is based on responsible production processes and an integrated business model that minimises the impact its industrial activity has on the environment. As a basic principle, the company, which manufactures recyclable and biodegradable products, does not contemplate operating without the respect for the environment that generates the natural resources necessary for its lines of business. During 2010, Europac Group’s four paper machines consumed a total of 750,000 metric tons of recovered paper, a waste item which the company regenerates as a raw material. This product would otherwise be in waste dumps. Of these 750,000 metric tons, slightly over 20% hailed from the Europac Recicla paper recovery centres in Lisbon, Porto and Valladolid. Europac Recicla is an initiative of the Europac Group, based on the group’s traditional strategy of vertical business integration. However, it does not only involve the selective collection and recycling of waste such as paper, cardboard or wood, but also glass, tins, plastic, tyres or polystyrene, among others. Its objective is to become one of the industry leaders in the Iberian Peninsula. Certifications In parallel, in 2010 all company paper factories renewed or passed the annual review for ISO certifications. The Portuguese plant at Viana do Castelo also renewed its IPPC license for pollution control and prevention. Moreover, the sealing of the 33 Annual Report 2010 former waste dump has been completed using state of the art techniques that enable the site to be used for other purposes. In addition, the project begun in 2009 known as the Chain of Responsibility of raw materials, guaranteeing that all wood used in the industrial process has been sourced from forestry ventures compliant with environmentally responsible management practices, has continued throughout 2010. This enables the company to offer the market products with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certificates. Alternative Products Another means for boosting Europac Group’s sustainable development is the manufacture of corrugated cardboard products as alternatives to those made of plastic or polyspan. In addition to the examples mentioned in the section on the cardboard business contained in this report, work continued in 2010 on the ‘FishPAC’ box. This is a corrugated cardboard box for fish shipment; it has already been tested in international logistics circuits of up to 72 hours and has yielded very good results. Its main advantage is it prevents the risk of breakage of the polyspan, where pieces thereof can end up inside the fish and, in addition, it is a product that can be recycled at destination. Lastly, all company facilities continued to work towards reducing emissions and treating waste water, achieving levels well below those legally required. 34 11. Events subsequent to year end The operation of 13 December 2010 involving the purchase of the cardboard company of the SCA group in Gasny (France) did not become effective until 1 January 2011. Therefore, this year shall be the first in which the new facility shall operate under the management of the Europac Group. On the other hand, the significant improvement of results enabled the Board of Directors of the company to recover once again a dividend distribution in 2011 of 2010 results. Specifically, the dividend amounted to 0.07 euros per share, which can be increased with a special dividend of 0.05 euros dependent on approval by the General Meeting of Shareholders. As for the management bodies, Adamante Inversiones S.R.L. ceased being represented in the Board of Directors of the Company as of mid November 2010 and, following a gradual reduction of its shareholding in the share capital, by January 2011 it no longer held any company shares. The Europac Recicla company was also incorporated after the end of 2010, to increase the group’s presence in the paper recovery sector by means of two paper recovery centres in Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and one in Spain (Valladolid). In terms of recycled paper, following the execution of the plan for efficiency improvement of the recycled paper machine in Rouen, a 25-day maintenance halt in production took place this year, which will enable an increase of six percentage points in machine efficiency, to a level of 92%. As for price increases, the company announced a rise in the price of recycled paper of 60 euros per metric ton in the month of January for all of Europe and of 50 euros more in May in the Iberian Peninsula markets. The month of May also saw the announcement of an increase in the price of kraftliner paper of 50€ per metric ton in all markets. In all cases, the pressure of the prices of raw materials in the context of strong demand justified these measures. 35 Annual Report 2010 12. Europac on the Stock Exchange In 2010, despite posting a significant quarterly progression and the best annual results since it was first listed in 1998, Europac Group’s company shares fell by 5% compared to the end of 2009. Nevertheless, throughout 2010 these shares have outperformed the IBEX 35, the leading index of the Spanish Stock Exchange, which closed the year at 9,859.1 points, 17.4% below the close of 2009. During the first quarter of the year, the rise in the price of recovered paper adversely affected the sector, which, despite deflecting this cost by rising sale prices, led to a deterioration of margins that were not recovered until 100% of the price increase in raw material had been deflected to the market. Uneven performance In light thereof, the shares of the Europac Group exhibited a downward trend during the first six months of the year until they reached an annual low on 26 May of 2.57 euros per share. “The performance of Europac shares in 2010 was better than that of the IBEX 35, the main Spanish Stock Exchange index” Following publication half-year 2010 results in July, which disclosed the gradual improvement in results and expectations, the Europac shares began to recover. At that time, when the company was trading at 2.97 euros per share, the target price in the market was at 5.00 euros per share, equal to a growth potential in the region of 70%. 36 The Europac shares closed 2010 at 3.50 euros, a drop of 5% over year-end 2009 and a revaluation above 36% over the annual low. Comparable companies However, other comparable companies which carry out activities in the sector have shown an improvement in share prices in 2010. The shares of some of these companies increased between 11% and 54% during the period. In the case of Europac the market has not yet reflected these trading increases. The difficult economic situation prevents the performance of an accurate and fair assessment of the risk diversification inherent in the group’s business model, thanks to its ongoing growth strategy and support for the electrical power business. Broad coverage During 2010, Europac has continued to develop its traditional policy of market communication, which grew by 15% over that of 2009 insofar as meetings were held with 82 investors and analysts via roadshows, one on one meetings and presentations, not forgetting the response via the various channels to company shareholder requests. The company thus managed to increase its degree of transparency in the midst of a financial and economic situation as the one we are currently facing. Since Europac was first listed in 1998, 173 reports on the company have been issued, 37 of which have been issued in 2010 alone as well as 64 recommendation letters. Of all reports, 135 were buy recommendations (78.03%), 20 keep (11.56%) and 18 sell (10.40%). Europac’s interest in the analyst community continues to grow each year. During 2010 BBVA began covering Europac. A total of 12 entities currently follow the share: Ahorro Corporación Financiera, Banco Portugués de Investimento, Banco Sabadell, Banesto Bolsa, BBVA, BNP Paribas Fortis, Caja Madrid Bolsa, Fidentis, Inverseguros, La Caixa, Mirabaud Finanzas and Renta 4. The daily average volume of shares traded in 2010 reached 84,864 shares, 7% below the average volume recorded for 2009, whereas the rotation of Europac shares in 2010 increased by 6%, from 41 to 44 months. The market capitalisation totalled 302 million euros, 3% higher than in 2009. “The share closed the year at 3.50 euros, 5% less than the close of 2009 and a revaluation over 36% with regard to the annual minimum” 37 Annual Report 2010 Shareholder remuneration Finally, in regard to shareholder remuneration, in December 2010 Europac carried out a capital increase charged to reserves of an issue premium consisting in the gratis exchange of one new share for every 12 old ones. The company thus issued 6,658,471 new shares each with par value of 2 euros via a capital increase of 13,316,942 euros. “The difficult economic situation prevent a fair assessment of the risk diversification of the group’s business model” Capital Data Number of shares (*) Par value (in euros) 2010 86.560.124* 2 79.901. 2 Share capital (in thousands of euros) 173.120 159.8 Net Equity (in thousands of euros) 287.016 257.0 Data per share in euros 2010 2009 Profit after tax 0,31 -0,20 Trading price 3,50 3,68 Adjusted Trading Price(**) 3,50 3,68 Book Value (1) 3,31 3,21 2010 2009 Data on trading Market cap (in thousands of euros) 302.960 294.0 Trading frequency (in thousands of euros) 100 100 Cash traded value (in thousands of euros) 72.218 76.08 Average daily volume (in nº of shares) 84.864 90.81 Annual rotation(***) 44,13 41,5 Stock Market Ratios 38 2009 2009 PER 11,29 − Price/ book value 1,06 1,15 Free Float 36% 32% STOCK MARKET DATA AÑO 2004 010 (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 AÑO 2005 (1x4) Through cash payment 0,9556 AÑO 2005 (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 AÑO 2007 (feb) (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 AÑO 2007 (nov) (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 AÑO 2009 (jul) (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 Año 2010 (dic) (1x12) Bonus issue 0,9231 *Effec tive trading of 52.452.613 new shares took 2 place on 104.905 05.01.2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 79.901.653 73.755.372 73.755.372 52.876.366 2 2 2 2 3.120 159.803 147.511 147.511 105.753 7.016 257.054 276.356 282.742 231.608 222.048 010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 0,31 -0,20 0,12 0,43 0,21 0,10 3,50 3,68 2,96 6,35 7,50 5,95 3,50 3,68 2,73 5,86 5,90 4,68 3,31 3,21 3,73 3,81 3,74 3,41 010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2.960 294.038 218.316 468.347 396.573 312.093 100 100 100 100 100 100 2.218 76.083 358.523 648.860 238.127 151.308 4.864 90.816 274.847 294.440 151.058 121.731 4,13 41,57 12,63 11,74 16,41 20,02 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 1,29 − 24,67 14,65 35,90 58,18 1,06 1,15 0,79 1,67 2,01 1,74 36% 32% 31% 37% 44% 44% 60.124* 2 2005 **Capital and reserves/Nº Shares ***In months 39 Annual Report 2010 13. Reference guide to solutions and products GRUPS PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION Portoliner Portoliner is the trade name of kraftliner paper manufactured in Viana do Castelo and used in the packaging and cardboard industries. Vianaliner Vianaliner is the trade name of the Top Kraftliner paper manufactured at Viana do Castelo to be used in the packaging and cardboard industry. Kraftliners White Testliners Tb-pac White test with a white coated top layer of excellent quality. Brown bottom layer. Blanpac Encolado White liner of high quality. Upper layer white and coated. Brown bottom layer. Blanpac Castilla White lines with slightly inferior specifications than the Blanpac Encolado, although it is coated with the same CoBB 60" C.S. Linerpac Very strong brown liner with a coated upper layer. Interpac Brown liner with optimal specifications for light and inexpensive packaging. Quimipac High-spec paper for fluting. Quimipac Sup High-spec paper for fluting. Multilight Very high quality paper for fluting in light grammages. Cannelure Very high quality paper for fluting in medium grammages. Brown Testliners Ondulados 40 * All qualities manufactured are within the classification of Groupement Ondule CHARACTERISTICS GRAMMAGES Crush-resistant, stiffness, performance in damp atmospheres and good surface finish. 115 125 135 140 170 186 200 225 275 115 140 165 Crush-resistant, stiffness, performance in damp atmospheres and good surface finish. Very strong paper with excellent printability due to its coating, whiteness, cleanliness and perfect ink absorption. 125 140 150 175 Paper with excellent runnability on corrugators, very good printing characteristics and a higher grade of whiteness than Blanpac Castilla. 125 140 Optimal grade of whiteness and cleanliness to make good printing stand out, with excellent runnability on corrugators and a good printing quality. 120 125 MARKET Agricultural, fresh foods and heavy duty. Light agricultural, fresh foods and industry. Light agricultural, refrigerated and frozen goods and high quality industrial market. Industrial, even in refrigerated chambers, thanks to the coating on the upper layer. Lightweight and robust packaging. Ideal for high strength packaging and excellent printing on brown. 120 130 160 170 Light agricultural, refrigerated and frozen goods, and industrial market requiring high performance, cleanliness and uniformity. Like the rest of the papers, it performs excellently on the corrugators. 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 160 170 For all types of light industrial applications and requirements of cleanliness and uniformity. Retains its characteristics in damp atmospheres, with no loss of bonding qualities on the corrugators. 115 127 150 160 Agricultural and food stored in cold-stores or damp atmospheres. Retains its characteristics in damp atmospheres, with no loss of bonding qualities on the corrugators. 170 180 Agricultural and food stored in cold-stores or damp atmospheres. Like the rest of the papers, it performs excellently on the corrugators. 80 85 90 95 100 For all manner of light industrial applications and requirements. Like the rest of the papers, it performs excellently on the corrugators. 105 110 127 140 For all manner of light industrial applications and requirements. 41 Annual Report 2010 14. Companies and production units belonging to the Europac Group Paper Cardboard and packaging EUROPAC DUEÑAS EUROPAC ALCOLEA DEL CINCA Ctra. Burgos-Portugal, Km. 96 34.210 Dueñas (PALENCIA) Tel.: +34 979 76 14 13 Fax: +34 979 76 15 70 EUROPAC ALCOLEA DEL CINCA Ctra. de Fraga s/n 22.410 Alcolea del Cinca (HUESCA) Tel.: +34 974 46 84 11 Fax: +34 974 46 80 27 EUROPAC KRAFT VIANA, S.A. Apartado 550 4901 / 852 – Deocriste Viana do Castelo (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 258 739 600 Fax: +351 258 731 914 EUROPAC PAPETERIE DE ROUEN Rue Désiré Granet FR-76808, Saint Etienne du Rouvray Tel. : + 33 0235645149 Fax : + 33 0235045289 42 Ctra. de Fraga s/n 22.410 Alcolea del Cinca (HUESCA) Tel.: +34 974 46 84 11 Fax: +34 974 46 80 27 EUROPAC TORRELAVIT C/ Paratge Camí Fondo Pol. Ind. de Torrelavit 08775 Torrelavit ( Barcelona) Tel.: +34 93 899 52 36 Fax: +34 93 899 61 96 EUROPAC CARTAO OVAR, S.A. Zona Industrial de Ovar - 3881. Apartado 92 Ovar de Codex (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 256 579 360 Fax: +351 256 586 796 EUROPAC EMBALAGEM, S.A. Fábrica de Albarraque Apartado 91 2736 / 902 - Cacem (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 219 157 400 Fax: +351 219 157 499 EUROPAC EMBALAGEM, S.A. Fábrica de Guilhabreu Apartado 2038 - Castelo da Maia 4472 - Sta. María de Avioso Codex (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 229 871 300 Fax: +351 229 871 305 EUROPAC EMBALAGEM, S.A. EUROPAC CARTONNERIE DE ROUEN Rue Désiré Granet FR-76808, Saint Etienne du Rouvray Tel.: +33 0235645149 Fax: +33 0235045289 EUROPAC CARTONNERIE ATLANTIQUE Fábrica de Leiria Estrada dos Pinheiros - Marrazes 2400 / 444 - Leiria (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 244 850 300 Fax: +351 244 850 370 ZA La Fontaine - RN 23. 49430, Durtal Tel.: +33 0241213232 Fax.: +33 241 213 221 EMPROBAL, S.L. Avenue Robert Franck. 73110, La Rochette Tel.: +33 479 75 89 00 Fax.: +33 479 25 57 37 Zona Industrial da Cancela - Caniço 9125 / 042 - Madeira (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 291 930 530 Fax: +351 291 934 767 EUROPAC CARTONNERIE SAVOIE EUROPAC CARTONNERIE VAL DE SEINE EUROPAC RIBA-ROJA Rte. de Fourges. 27620, Gasny C/ Delf-fogainers, parcela 45ª Pol. Ind. Sector 13 46.394 Riba-Roja (VALENCIA) Tel.: +34 961 34 01 13 Fax: +34 961 34 04 53 Tel.: +33 0232772525 Fax: +33 0232772500 EUROPAC DUEÑAS CARTÓN Ctra. Burgos-Portugal, Km. 96 34.210 Dueñas (PALENCIA) Tel.: +34 979 76 15 65 Fax: +34 979 76 15 73 43 Annual Report 2010 Power generation Waste Management EUROPAC ALCOLEA DEL CINCA EUROPAC RECICLA PORTO Ctra. de Fraga s/n 22.410 Alcolea del Cinca (HUESCA) Tel.: +34 974 46 84 11 Fax: +34 974 46 80 27 Zona Ind. Portelinha 329/35 4510-000 São Pedro da Cova (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 224 833 295 Fax: +351 224 633 385 EUROPAC DUEÑAS Ctra. Burgos-Portugal, Km. 96 34.210 Dueñas (PALENCIA) Tel.: +34 979 76 14 13 Fax: +34 979 76 15 70 EUROPAC ENERGÍA VIANA, S.A. Apartado 550 4901 / 852 – Deocriste Viana do Castelo (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 258 739 600 Fax: +351 258 731 914 44 EUROPAC RECICLA LISBOA Av. da Liberdade, 172. Apartado 142 2715-901 Pêro Pinheiro (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 219 674 751 Fax: +351 219 674 755 EUROPAC RECICLA VALLADOLID C/ Plata, 8. 47.012 (Valladolid) Tel.: +34 983 39 16 22 Fax: +34 983 25 14 00 Other activities CELPAP-TERMINAL DE CELULOSE E PAPEL DE PORTUGAL, LDA Largo Joao Tomas da Costa, 26 - 20 4900 / 509 Viana do Castelo (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 258 809 530 Fax: +351 258 809 539 VIANAPORT, LDA Porto Comercial de Viana do Castelo Lugar de Cabedelo, Darque (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 258 809 530 Fax: +351 258 809 539 CELNAVE - AGENCIA DE NAVEGAÇAO, LDA Largo Joao Tomas da Costa, 26 - 20 4900 / 509 Viana do Castelo (PORTUGAL) Tel.: +351 258 809 531 Fax: +351 258 809 539 45 Annual Report 2010 46