Trading Statement

27 April 2016

DS Smith Plc - pre-close trading statement

Another year of good progress

DS Smith Plc, the leading supplier of recycled packaging for consumer goods, today issues a pre-close trading statement for the year ending 30 April 2016.

Group performance remains in line with our expectations. The trends described in our trading statement of 9 March 2016 have continued, with good volume growth across the business, and returns on sales and on average capital employed improved versus the comparable period. Growth from our large pan-European customers has been particularly strong, and has also been driven by our solutions for the fast growing e-commerce channel.

In line with our strategy, we are continuing to expand our geographic footprint and customer offering. We have invested around €600 million in acquisitions in this financial year, which are performing fully in line with our expectations. Most recently we have acquired TRM Packaging, a producer of specialist corrugated packaging and retail ready packaging, based in the North West of England, which will enhance our capabilities in this region.

Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive, said:

"Packaging, and the supply chain in which it plays a part, is of great importance to our customers as they adapt for the evolving multi-channel retail environment. Over the year we have grown organically and by acquisition while at the same time improving our margin, and we remain excited about the opportunities for the business."

Forthcoming dates

Enquiries

DS Smith Plc                                                                  +44 (0)20 7756 1800

Hugo Fisher, Group Communications Director

Rachel Stevens, Investor Relations Manager

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.