Mondi Plc share price continues to correct after interim results release

Interim results summary

In the first half of 2024, Mondi reported underlying EBITDA of €565 million, aided by rescheduled maintenance shuts and a forestry fair value gain. Despite a 4% decline in group revenue to €3.739 billion and a reduction in the underlying EBITDA margin to 15.1%, Mondi is progressing well with its €1.2 billion organic growth investments, expected to significantly boost EBITDA from 2025. The company announced an interim ordinary dividend of 23.33 euro cents per share and a special dividend of €1.60 per share following the sale of Russian assets. Profit before tax fell 29% to €296 million, and basic earnings per share declined 30% to 44.5 euro cents. Cash generated from operations decreased by 33% to €372 million, with net debt to underlying EBITDA rising to 1.5 times.

H1 2024 Performance

Mondi reported robust performance for the first half of 2024 with an underlying EBITDA of €565 million, benefiting from rescheduled maintenance shuts and a forestry fair value gain totalling approximately €40 million. This performance aligns with their expectations despite being lower than the previous year.

Revenue and Margins

Group revenue from continuing operations was €3.739 billion, a 4% decline from the previous year. The underlying EBITDA margin was reduced to 15.1% from 17.5%, primarily due to lower input costs and price increases across paper grades.

Strategic Investments and Growth

Mondi is making significant progress in delivering on its €1.2 billion organic growth investments, with around 80% expected to be invested by year-end. Key projects include the modernization of the Kuopio mill, debottlenecking of the Swiecie mill, and the expansion of two box plants in Poland, poised to contribute meaningfully to EBITDA from 2025.

Dividend Payments and Special Dividends

Mondi will pay an interim ordinary dividend of 23.33 euro cents per share on 27 September 2024 and issued a special dividend of €1.60 per share in February 2024 from the sale of Russian assets. These distributions support shareholder returns alongside their ongoing growth investments.

Financial Ratios and Earnings Impact

Profit before tax declined by 29% to €296 million, and basic earnings per share dropped by 30% to 44.5 euro cents. Cash generated from operations decreased by 33% to €372 million. The group's net debt to underlying EBITDA ratio increased to 1.5 times, reflecting the higher investments and strategic expenditures.

Mondi Plc – Technical Analysis

The long term trend for Mondi remains up, despite the short term share price decline underway.

Trend followers might look to accumulate into short term weakness closer to the 34635 level, targeting a move back towards the high at 37500, while using a close below the 33325 level as a stop loss indication.