DS Smith says Q3 in line as volumes continue to grow

6th Mar 2014 08:05

Consumer goods packaging firm DS Smith said that trading in its third quarter was as expected, driven by volume growth and synergies from the acquisition of SCA Packaging in 2012.Like-for-like corrugated box volumes growth remained ahead of its medium-term financial target of gross domestic product growth plus 1%, with Germany and Central and Eastern Europe particularly strong.The company said that this volume growth "reflects a strengthened customer proposition, driven by innovation and removing complexity and cost from our customers' supply chain."DS Smith said that its outlook remains "positive" with rising volumes and the pass-through of input costs rises ongoing.Chief Executive Miles Roberts said: "The year has continued in line with our plans, despite market conditions remaining difficult."[...] As such, we continue to see opportunities for growth in this market and are confident in the prospects for the business."The stock was up 1.7% at 354p by 08:26 on Thursday.BC