Clondalkin
Retain “Hold” on the FRNs. Move to “Buy” on the fixed notes
Clondalkin released a good set of Q1 FY 2011 results yesterday. Revenues were 8.3% higher at EUR 221.7 mn, supported by growth in both its segments. Volumes were higher, particularly in the foil and laminate packaging sub-division and in the Specialist packaging division, whereas pricing was higher in the Polymer and Plastics Products division, which managed to pass on higher resin costs relatively well. EBITDA was EUR 20.8 mn, 4.7% higher y-o-y, as savings across other cost functions helped substantially offset higher raw material costs. Historically, in Q1 there is a working capital outflow and this quarter was no different. That said, Clondalkin managed its working capital very well despite the pressure of high resin costs. Net leverage, though higher sequentially due to seasonality, improved 0.3x y-o-y to 5.9x. Net secured leverage was 3.9x. We will comment in further detail in our Earnings flash following the conference call today. We keep our “Medium Risk” assessment on the LARA scale and move to “buy” on the fixed notes while retaining our “hold” on the floaters.