Smurfit may return surplus

Paper and packaging giant Smurfit Kappa Group will return surplus cash to shareholders this year if it fails to land any target acquisitions.

The group yesterday forecast another year of growth in 2015 via earnings growth strengthened cash flows and improved shareholder returns on the back of a strong showing for the past 12 months.

“Looking to 2015, assuming no material disimprovement in European economic conditions, we expect to grow the business through continued superior operating performance, high return internal investments and targeted acquisitions,” management said.