UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION WASHINGTON,
D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
OR
For the fiscal year ended
OR
OR
Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the transition period from to
Commission file number
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Grand Duchy of
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
+352 26 25 85 55
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
+
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
None.
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:
Yes ☐
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☐Accelerated Filer ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☐ | the International Accounting Standards Board ☒ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 __ Item 18__
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes
Table of Contents
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Definitions and Terminology
Except where the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, all references to “AMPSA”, “AMP”, “Group”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise requires.
References to legislation are, except where otherwise stated, references to the legislation of the United States of America.
In addition, unless indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to:
● | “AGSA” are to Ardagh Group S.A., a public limited liability company (société anonyme) incorporated and existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 56, rue Charles Martel, L-2134 Luxembourg, Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (R.C.S. Luxembourg) under number B 160804; |
● | “AMP Business” are to the business of developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling metal beverage cans and ends and related technical and customer services as engaged by AMPSA and its subsidiaries; |
● | “AMP Notes Issuance” are to the issuance by two affiliates of the Group (the “Co-Issuers”) of green bonds of approximately $2.8 billion equivalent on March 12, 2021, consisting of €450 million 2.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, $600 million 3.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, €500 million 3.000% Senior Notes due 2029 and $1,050 million 4.000% Senior Notes due 2029; |
● | “AMP Transfer” are to a series of transactions pursuant to the Transfer Agreement in connection with the Business Combination effected by AGSA on April 1, 2021 that resulted in (a) the equity interests of Ardagh Packaging Holdings Limited, an Irish subsidiary of AGSA, and certain other subsidiaries of AGSA engaged in the metal beverage can business being directly or indirectly owned by AMPSA (all such entities collectively, the “AMP Entities”) and (b) any assets and liabilities relating to the business of AGSA (other than the AMP Business) that are held by the AMP Entities being transferred to subsidiaries of AGSA that are not AMP Entities, and assets and liabilities relating to the AMP Business that are held by subsidiaries of AGSA (other than the AMP Entities) being transferred to the AMP Entities; |
● | “Ardagh Group” are to AGSA and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context requires otherwise; |
● | “Articles” are to the Company’s articles of association; |
● | “Brexit” are to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on January 31, 2020; |
● | “Business Combination” are to the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; |
● | “Business Combination Agreement” are to the Business Combination Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, as amended from time to time, by and among GHV, AMPSA, AGSA and MergeCo, and filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this annual report; |
● | “CCIRS” are to cross currency interest rate swaps; |
● | “CGUs” are to cash generating units; |
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● | “Code” are to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; |
● | “COVID-19” are to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions, mutations or variants thereof or related or associated epidemics, pandemic or disease outbreaks; |
● | “EWC” are to the European Works Council of Ardagh Group S.A.; |
● | “Exchange Act” are to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; |
● | “GHGs” are to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases; |
● | “GHV” are to Gores Holdings V, Inc., a Delaware corporation which, following the Merger, was renamed to “Ardagh MP USA Inc.”; |
● | “GHV Sponsor” are to Gores Sponsor V LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; |
● | “IAS” are to the International Accounting Standards; |
● | “IASB” are to the International Accounting Standards Board; |
● | “IED” are to the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (Directive 2010/75/EU); |
● | “IFRS” are to International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB and related interpretations as adopted by the IASB; |
● | “IRS” are to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service; |
● | “Luxembourg Law” are to the provisions of the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; |
● | “MergeCo” are to Ardagh MP MergeCo Inc; |
● | “Merger” are to the merger of MergeCo with and into GHV, with GHV surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of AMPSA, which occurred on August 4, 2021; |
● | “NYSE” are to the New York Stock Exchange; |
● | “PFIC” are to a passive foreign investment company; |
● | “PIPE” are to the private placement pursuant to which the Subscribers purchased 69,500,000 Shares, for a purchase price of $10.00 per share (the “PIPE Shares”); |
● | “REACH” are to the European Union’s regulations concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals; |
● | “Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement” are to the registration rights and lock-up agreement, dated as of August 4, 2021, by and among AGSA, AMPSA, GHV Sponsor and certain persons associated with GHV Sponsor, a form of which is filed as Exhibit 4.6 to this annual report; |
● | “Sarbanes-Oxley Act” are to the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
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● | “Science-Based Sustainability Targets” are to the targets that are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement of 2015 (limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C); |
● | “Science-Based Targets initiative” are to the initiative to drive climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets; |
● | “Scope 1 Emissions” are to those GHG emissions that an organization makes directly from activities; |
● | “Scope 2 Emissions” are to GHG emissions that an organization makes indirectly; |
● | “Scope 3 Emissions” are to all indirect GHG emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions; |
● | “SEC” are to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; |
● | “Services Agreement” are to the services agreement, dated as of August 4, 2021, by and between AGSA and AMPSA, related to the provision of certain corporate and business-unit services by AGSA to AMPSA and its subsidiaries and by AMPSA and its subsidiaries to AGSA, filed as Exhibit 4.8 to this annual report; |
● | “Shares” are to common shares of AMPSA, with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 per share; |
● | “Shareholders Agreement” are to the shareholders agreement entered into by AGSA and AMPSA on August 4, 2021 and filed as Exhibit 4.7 to this annual report; |
● | “Subscribers” are to the investors that purchased Shares in the PIPE; |
● | “Subscription Agreements” are to the subscription agreements, dated as of February 22, 2021, entered into with the Subscribers and the GHV Sponsor, pursuant to which the Subscribers and the GHV Sponsor agreed to purchase, and AMPSA agreed to sell to the Subscribers and the GHV Sponsor the PIPE Shares for an aggregate cash amount of $600,000,000, a form of which is filed as Exhibit 4.5 to this annual report; |
● | “Transfer Agreement” are to the transfer agreement, dated as of February 22, 2021, by and between AGSA and AMPSA, filed as Exhibit 4.9 to this annual report; |
● | “U.S. GAAP” are to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S; |
● | “Warrants” are to the warrants of AMPSA, each exercisable for one Share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment; and |
● | “Warrant Agreement” are to the warrant agreement, dated as of August 10, 2020, by and between GHV and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as warrant agent, filed as Exhibit 2.3 to this annual report, as assigned to AMPSA and amended in accordance with a warrant assignment, assumption and amendment agreement, dated August 4, 2021, by and among AMPSA, GHV, Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., filed as Exhibit 2.2 to this annual report. |
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General Information
AMPSA was incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on January 20, 2021 as a public limited liability company (société anonyme) having its registered office at 56, rue Charles Martel, L‑2134 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés de Luxembourg) under number B 251465.
The Company has direct and indirect ownership of 100% of the issued share capital of holding companies which hold all of our finance and operating subsidiaries.
Group Consolidated Financial Statements – Basis of Preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with, and are in compliance with IFRS and related interpretations, as adopted by the IASB. IFRS is comprised of standards and interpretations approved by the IASB and IFRS and interpretations approved by the predecessor International Accounting Standards Committee that have been subsequently approved by the IASB and remain in effect. References to IFRS hereafter should be construed as references to IFRS as adopted by the IASB.
The consolidated financial statements, are presented in U.S. dollar, rounded to the nearest million and have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the following:
● | Private and Public Warrants and the Earnout Shares; and |
● | derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value; and |
● | employee benefit obligations are measured at the present value of the future estimated cash flows related to benefits earned and pension assets valued at fair value. |
The preparation of consolidated financial information in conformity with IFRS requires the use of critical accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and income and expenses. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying Group accounting policies. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and are subject to continual re-evaluation. However, actual outcomes may differ from these estimates. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are discussed in the critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments.
Basis of preparation prior to the AMP Transfer
For the periods prior to the AMP Transfer, consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a carve-out basis from the consolidated financial statements of AGSA, to represent the financial position and performance of the AMP Business as if the AMP Business had existed on a stand-alone basis for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and for the three months from January 1, 2021 to April 1, 2021, the date that the AMP Transfer occurred, for the audited consolidated income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flows and as at December 31, 2020 for the audited consolidated statement of financial position. However, those consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the AMP Business had been a stand-alone entity during the period presented.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by aggregating the financial information from the entities as described in note 25 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, together with assets,
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liabilities, income and expenses that management has determined are specifically attributable to the AMP Business including related party borrowings, and direct and indirect costs and expenses related to the operations of the AMP Business. The following summarizes the principles applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements:
● | Controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business have been included in the consolidated financial statements, as further described in note 25. Goodwill, customer relationship intangible assets and fair value adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition of the controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business by Ardagh Group, have been included in the consolidated financial statements. No companies were acquired or disposed of during the financial periods prior to the AMP Transfer; |
● | The AMP Business did not in the past form a separate legal group and therefore it is not possible to show issued share capital or a full analysis of reserves. The net assets of the AMP Business are represented by the cumulative investment of Ardagh Group in the AMP Business, shown as invested capital; |
● | All intercompany balances, investments in subsidiaries and share capital within the AMP Business have been eliminated upon combination in the consolidated financial statements; |
● | All employee benefit obligations are directly attributable to the AMP Business and are obligations of the entities described in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report; |
● | The AMP Business adopted IFRS 16 applying the simplified approach, with the right-of-use assets being calculated as if IFRS 16 had always been applied and the lease liabilities being calculated as the present value of expected remaining future lease payments, discounted at the AMP Business’ incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2018. The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities recognized upon adoption of IFRS 16 was 5.0%. Upon adoption, the AMP Business has availed of the practical expedients to use hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease and has also elected not to apply IFRS 16 to contracts that were not identified before as containing a lease under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4; |
● | Cumulative translation differences directly attributable to the controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business, have been allocated at the amounts included in Ardagh Group’s consolidated financial statements; |
● | Corporate center costs allocated by Ardagh Group, prior to the AMP Transfer, have been included in selling, general and administration (“SGA”) expenses ($27 million and $22 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and $9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021). The Ardagh Group support provided to the AMP Business included stewardship by Ardagh Group senior management personnel and functional support in terms of typical corporate areas such as Group finance, legal and risk, in addition to, discrete support which was provided from centralized management activities such as HR, Sustainability and IT in order to complement and support the activities in these areas which existed within the AMP Business. The Ardagh Group corporate head office costs were allocated principally based on Adjusted EBITDA, with settlement of these costs recorded within invested capital. The allocations to the AMP Business reflected all the costs of doing business and management believes that the allocations were reasonable and materially reflected what the expenses would have been on a stand-alone basis. These costs reflected the arrangements that existed in Ardagh Group and are not necessarily representative of costs that may arise in the future. In addition to these Ardagh Group corporate head office costs, shared divisional costs of $15 million attributable to the AMP Business, were incurred in the year ended December 31, 2019. In subsequent years, the activities associated with these shared divisional costs |
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formed part of Ardagh Group shared corporate head office costs attributable to the AMP Business, or were incurred specifically within the AMP Business; |
● | Tax charges and credits and balances in the consolidated financial statements have been calculated as if the AMP Business was a separate taxable entity using the separate return method. The tax charges and credits recorded in the consolidated income statement and tax balances recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position have been affected by the taxation arrangements within Ardagh Group and are not necessarily representative of the positions that may arise in the future. Differences between the tax charges and credits and balances in the consolidated financial statements, and the tax charges and credits and balances in the historical records of the AMP Business are included in invested capital; |
● | The AMP Business has its own treasury functional team with certain treasury and risk management functions being performed by a central treasury function, which includes cash pooling and similar arrangement between Ardagh Group and the AMP Business. Interest on related party borrowings and allocated costs and expenses as described below have generally been deemed to have been paid by the AMP Business to Ardagh Group in the month in which the costs were incurred. In addition, all external debt used to fund Ardagh Group’s operations is managed and held centrally. Related party borrowings to Ardagh Group, representing back-to-back agreements related to those components of Ardagh Group’s corporate debt used to fund the initial acquisition of the AMP Business by Ardagh Group, is included in the consolidated financial statements reflecting the debt obligation and related interest costs of the AMP Business. Any cash balances reflected on the consolidated financial statements are legally owned by the AMP Business. Ardagh Group has entered into certain derivative instruments with external counterparties on behalf of the AMP Business and on the back of those related-party derivatives between Ardagh Group and the AMP Business have been executed, the impact of which have been included in the consolidated financial statements; |
● | Other intercompany balances between Ardagh Group and the AMP Business with the exception of the related party borrowings discussed above are deemed to be long term funding in nature and did not remain a liability upon separation from Ardagh Group and hence have been presented as part of invested capital in the consolidated financial statements. |
Basis of preparation after the AMP Transfer
For the periods after the AMP Transfer, from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, consolidated financial statements have been prepared for the Group as a stand-alone business. The accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation followed in the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the audited consolidated financial statements of the AMP Business for the year ended December 31, 2020, except for the new or amended accounting policies identified as applying after the AMP Transfer as indicated in the paragraphs below, in addition to the calculation of earnings per share as further detailed in note 8, the recognition and measurement of the Earnout Shares and Public and Private Warrants as further detailed in note 21 and the recognition and measurement of the IFRS 2 charge in note 24, with all notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
The consolidated financial statements for the Group were authorized for issue by the board of directors of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. on February 22, 2022.
Currencies
In this annual report, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires:
● | “$”, “USD” and “U.S. dollar” each refer to the United States dollar; |
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● | “€”, “EUR” and “euro” each refer to the euro, the single currency established for members of the European Economic and Monetary Union since January 1, 1999; and |
● | “£”, “pounds” and “GBP” refer to pounds sterling, the lawful currency of the United Kingdom. |
Safe Harbour Statement
This annual report does not constitute or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of or solicitation or invitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for any securities, including in the United States, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever. Specifically, this annual report does not constitute a “prospectus” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
The Company routinely posts important information on its website https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/corporate/investors. This website and any other websites referenced herein and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this annual report.
Forward-Looking Statements
This annual report may contain “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about future events at the time, and thus involve uncertainty and risk. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “may,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” and the negatives of these words and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. It is possible the Company's future financial performance may differ from expectations due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
the Company’s ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of the Company to grow and manage growth profitably; costs related to the Business Combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the risk that the Company experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding its operations; the risk of global and regional economic downturns; competition from other metal beverage packaging producers and manufacturers of alternative forms of packaging; increases in metal beverage cans manufacturing capacity, without corresponding increases in demand; the risk that the Company is unable to maintain relationships with its largest customers or suppliers; the risk that the Company experiences less than expected levels of demand; the risk of climate and water conditions, and the availability and cost of raw materials; foreign currency, interest rate, exchange rate and commodity price fluctuations; various environmental requirements; the incurrence of debt and ability to generate cash to comply with financial covenants; the Company’s ability to execute a significant multi-year growth investment program; the Company’s ability to achieve expected operating efficiencies, cost savings and other synergies; costs and future funding obligations associated with post-retirement and post-employment obligations; operating hazards, supply chain interruptions or unanticipated interruptions at the Company’s manufacturing facilities, including due to virus and disease outbreaks, labor strikes or work stoppages; increasing privacy and data security obligations or a significant data breach, which may adversely affect the Company’s business; claims of injury or illness from materials used at the Company’s production sites or in its products; regulation of materials used in packaging and consumer preferences for alternative forms of packaging; retention of executive and senior management; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; reliance on third party software and services to be provided by Ardagh Group; risk of counterparties terminating servicing rights and contracts; and other risks and uncertainties described herein, including those under “Risk Factors.”
Any forward-looking statements in this document are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future
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performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from expectations. While the Company continually reviews trends and uncertainties affecting the Company's results of operations and financial condition, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or supplement any particular forward-looking statements contained in this document.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This annual report contains certain consolidated financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, working capital, net debt, Adjusted profit/(loss), Adjusted earnings/(loss) per share, and ratios relating thereto that are not calculated in accordance with IFRS or U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA consists of profit/(loss) for the year before income tax expense/(credit), net finance expense, depreciation and amortization and exceptional operating items. Adjusted profit consists of profit/(loss) for the year before total exceptional items, gains/(losses) on derivatives, intangible amortization and associated tax credits. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated based on adjusted profit for the year divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue.
Non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to GAAP financial information, but should not be used as substitutes for the corresponding GAAP measures. The non-GAAP financial measures used by AMPSA may differ from, and not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Part I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors
Not Applicable
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not Applicable
Item 3. Key Information
A. | Reserved |
B. | Capitalization and indebtedness |
Not Applicable
C. | Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds |
Not Applicable
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D. | Risk Factors |
Summary Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects. These risks are discussed more fully below and include, but are not limited to:
Risks Relating to Our Business
● | Our customers sell to consumers of beverage products. If economic conditions affect consumer demand, our customers may be affected and so reduce the demand for our products. Additionally, the global credit, financial and economic environment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, liquidity and results of operations. |
● | We face competition from other metal packaging producers, as well as from manufacturers of alternative forms of packaging. |
● | An increase in metal beverage can manufacturing capacity, including that of our competitors, without a corresponding increase in demand for metal beverage cans could cause prices to decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
● | We are implementing a significant multi-year growth investment program to increase our capacity. Failure to implement this program successfully may have a material impact on our business and results of operations. |
● | As our customers are concentrated, our business could be adversely affected if we were unable to maintain relationships with our largest customers. |
● | Further consolidation of our customer base may intensify pricing pressures or result in the loss of customers, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
● | Our profitability could be affected by the availability and cost of raw materials including as a result of changes in tariffs and duties. |
● | Our inability to fully pass-through input costs may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. |
● | We are involved in a manufacturing process with fixed costs. Any interruption in the operations of our manufacturing facilities, including its supply chain, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. |
● | We may not be able to integrate any future acquisitions effectively. |
● | A significant write down of goodwill would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. |
● | Climate change or legal, regulatory or other measures to address climate change or related concerns, may adversely affect our ability to conduct our business, including the availability and cost of resources required for our production processes. |
● | We are subject to various environmental and other legal requirements and may be subject to new requirements of this kind in the future that could impose substantial costs upon us. |
● | Changes in product requirements and their enforcement may have a material impact on our operations. |
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● | We could incur significant costs in relation to claims of injury and illness resulting from materials present or used at our production sites, or from our use of these sites or other workplace injuries, or from our products. |
● | We may be subject to litigation, arbitration and other proceedings that could have an adverse effect on us. |
● | Changes in consumer lifestyle, nutritional preferences, health-related concerns and consumer taxation could adversely affect our business. |
● | The COVID-19 pandemic and any future epidemics may have a negative impact on worldwide economic activity and our business. |
● | Increasing privacy and data security obligations or a significant data breach may adversely affect the Company’s business. |
● | The Company’s heavy reliance on technology and automated systems to operate its business could mean any significant failure or disruption of the technology or these systems, including as a result of cyber security attacks, could materially harm its business. |
● | Our substantial debt could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to effectively manage and grow our business. |
● | Our ability to operate our business effectively depends in large part on certain administrative and other support functions provided to us by Ardagh Group pursuant to the Services Agreement. Following the expiration or termination of the Services Agreement, our ability to operate our business effectively may suffer if we are unable to cost-effectively establish our own administrative and other support functions in order to operate as a stand-alone company. |
● | We are controlled by AGSA, whose interests may conflict with our interests and the interests of other shareholders. |
Risks Relating to Our Common Shares
● | Future sales of our Shares, including by AGSA, the Subscribers and the GHV Sponsor could have a negative impact on the price of our Shares. |
● | The rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights they would have as shareholders of a U.S. corporation and consequently our shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests. |
Risks Related to Being a Luxembourg Company and Our Status as a Foreign Private Issuer
● | The rights of AMPSA shareholders may differ from the rights they would have as shareholders of a U.S. corporation and consequently AMPSA shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests. |
Risks Relating to Our Business
Our customers sell to consumers of beverage products. If economic conditions affect consumer demand, our customers may be affected and so reduce the demand for our products. Additionally, the global credit, financial and economic environment could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, liquidity and results of operations.
Demand for our packaging depends on demand for the products that use our packaging, which is primarily consumer driven. General economic conditions may adversely impact consumer confidence resulting in reduced spending on our customers’ products and, thereby, reduced or postponed demand for our products.
Adverse economic conditions may also lead to more limited availability of credit, which may have a negative impact on the financial condition, particularly on the purchasing ability, of some of our customers and distributors and may also result in requests for extended payment terms, and result in credit losses, insolvencies and diminished sales
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channels available to us. Our suppliers may have difficulties obtaining necessary credit, which could jeopardize their ability to provide timely deliveries of raw materials and other essentials to us. Adverse economic conditions may also lead to suppliers requesting credit support or otherwise reducing credit, which may have a negative effect on our cash flows and working capital.
Volatility in exchange rates may also increase the costs of our products that we may not be able to pass on to our customers; impair the purchasing power of our customers in different markets; result in significant competitive benefit to certain of our competitors that incur a material part of their costs in different currencies than we do; hamper our pricing; and increase our hedging costs and limit our ability to hedge our exchange rate exposure.
Changes in global economic conditions may reduce our ability to forecast developments in our industry and plan our operations and costs accordingly, resulting in operational inefficiencies. Negative developments in our business, results of operations and financial condition due to changes in global economic conditions or other factors could cause ratings agencies to lower the credit ratings, or ratings outlook, of our short- and long-term debt and, consequently, impair our ability to raise new financing or refinance our existing borrowings, as applicable, or increase our costs of issuing any new debt instruments. Additionally, a significant weakening of our financial position or operating results due to changes in global economic conditions or other factors could result in noncompliance with our debt covenants and reduced cash flow from our operations, which, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to execute our long-term strategy to continue to expand our packaging activities through investing in existing and new facilities to increase our capacity in line with our 2022-2025 growth investment program, or, in the future, by selectively evaluating and opportunistically acquiring other businesses.
Furthermore, the economic outlook could be adversely affected by the risk that one or more current eurozone countries could leave the European Monetary Union, or the euro as the single currency of the eurozone could cease to exist. Either of these developments, or the perception that either of these developments are likely to occur, could have a material adverse effect on the economic development of the affected countries and could lead to severe economic recession or depression, and a general anticipation that such risks will materialize in the future could jeopardize the stability of financial markets or the overall financial and monetary system. This, in turn, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, liquidity and results of operations. See below “The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.”
We face competition from other metal packaging producers, as well as from manufacturers of alternative forms of packaging.
The sectors in which we operate are relatively mature and competitive. Prices for the products manufactured by our business are primarily driven by raw material costs. Competition in the market is based on price, as well as on innovation, sustainability, design, quality and service. Increases in productivity, combined with potential surplus capacity from planned new investment in the industry, could result in pricing pressures in the future. Our principal competitors include Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings and Can Pack. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, technical or marketing resources or may, in the future, have excess capacity. To the extent that any one or more of our competitors become more successful with respect to any key competitive factor, our ability to attract and retain customers could be materially and adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Moreover, changes in the global economic environment could result in reductions in demand for our products in certain instances, which could increase competitive pressures and, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to substantial competition from producers of packaging made from plastic, glass, carton and composites, for example, PET bottles for carbonated soft drinks. Changes in consumer preferences in terms of packaging materials, style and product presentation can significantly influence sales. An increase in our costs of production or a decrease in the costs of, or an increase in consumer demand for alternative packaging could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Certain customers meet some of their metal beverage packaging requirements through self-manufacturing, reducing their external purchases of packaging. For example, AB InBev manufactures metal beverage packaging through its Metal Container Corporation subsidiary in the United States, as well as directly in Brazil. The potential vertical integration of our customers could introduce new production capacity in the market, which may create an imbalance between metal beverage packaging supply and demand. The growth of vertically integrated operations could have a material negative impact on our future performance.
An increase in metal beverage can manufacturing capacity, including that of our competitors, without a corresponding increase in demand for metal beverage can packaging could cause prices to decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The profitability of metal beverage packaging companies is heavily influenced by the supply of, and demand for, metal packaging. In response to increased demand for metal beverage cans, we and others, including all our major competitors, have announced significant medium-term metal beverage can capacity expansions in the United States, Europe and Brazil.
We cannot assure you that metal beverage can manufacturing capacity in any of our markets, including the capacity of our competitors, will not increase further in the future, nor can we assure you that demand for metal beverage packaging will continue to meet or exceed supply. While the metal beverage can market is currently experiencing demand that exceeds supply, if in the future metal beverage can manufacturing capacity increases and there is no corresponding increase in demand, the prices we receive for our products could decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are implementing a significant multi-year growth investment program to increase our capacity. Failure to implement this program successfully may have a material impact on our business and results of operations.
In response to the positive forecast demand outlook for our metal packaging we have a significant growth investment program planned in the period 2022 to 2025. This program principally involves capacity expansion initiatives, including the installation of multiple new lines, line speed-ups, brownfield and greenfield development, as well as additional investments in automation, digitalization and other efficiency measures.
Successful implementation of this complex and extensive program will require the availability of skilled employees, project managers and consultants with the experience and know-how to ensure successful commissioning of capacity on time and budget and in line with our customers’ requirements. It will also require the availability of specialist equipment, tooling, components, materials, related services and the required permits.
Failure to successfully complete these investment projects, including through a lack of suitably-skilled personnel, or through a lack of available equipment and materials on expected terms, or other delays or disruptions would impact our capacity expansion and other efficiency initiatives. This could adversely impact our ability to serve existing and new customers, thereby damaging our customer relationships, or could negatively affect our cost base and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As our customers are concentrated, our business could be adversely affected if we were unable to maintain relationships with our largest customers.
Our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of our 2021 consolidated revenues.
We believe our relationships with these customers are good, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain these relationships. Over 80% of our revenue is backed by multi-year supply agreements, ranging from two to seven years in duration. Although these arrangements have provided, and we expect they will continue to provide, the
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basis for long-term partnerships with our customers, there can be no assurance that our customers will not cease purchasing our products. These arrangements, unless they are renewed, expire in accordance with their respective terms and are terminable under certain circumstances, such as our failure to meet quality, volume or other contractual commitments. If our customers unexpectedly reduce the amount of metal beverage cans they purchase from us, or cease purchasing our metal beverage cans altogether, our revenues could decrease and our inventory levels could increase, both of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, while we believe that the arrangements that we have with our customers will be renewed, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be renewed upon their expiration or that the terms of any renewal will be as favorable to us as the terms of the current arrangements. There is also the risk that our customers may shift their filling operations to locations in which we do not operate. The loss of one or more of these customers, a significant reduction in sales to these customers or a significant change in the commercial terms of our relationships with these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Further consolidation of our customer base may intensify pricing pressures or result in the loss of customers, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Some of our largest customers have previously acquired companies with similar or complementary product lines. For example, in 2017 Heineken acquired Brasil Kirin and in 2016 AB InBev acquired SABMiller. Such consolidation has increased the concentration of our sales with our largest customers and may continue in the future, potentially accompanied by pressure from customers for lower prices. Increased pricing pressures from our customers may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, this consolidation may lead manufacturers to rely on a reduced number of suppliers. If, following the combination of one of our customers with another company, a competitor was to be the main supplier to the consolidated companies, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our profitability could be affected by varied seasonal demands.
Demand for our products is seasonal. Our sales in Europe and North America are typically, based on historical trends, greater in the second and third quarters of the year, with generally lower sales in the first and fourth quarters. In Brazil, sales are typically strongest in the first and fourth quarters. Unseasonably cool weather during the summer months in each of these regions can reduce demand for certain beverages packaged in metal beverage cans, such as those manufactured by us.
Additionally, climate change and the increasing frequency of severe weather events could adversely affect demand for our products, our supply chain and the costs of inputs to our production and delivery of products in different regions around the world. Such severe weather events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Refer to “Climate change or legal, regulatory or other measures to address climate change or related concerns, may adversely affect our ability to conduct our business, including the availability and cost of resources required for our production processes.”
Our profitability could be affected by the availability and cost of raw materials, including as a result of changes in tariffs and duties.
The raw materials that we use have historically been available in adequate supply from multiple sources. For certain raw materials, however, there may be temporary shortages due to transportation, production delays impacting supplier plant output, pandemic outbreaks, including COVID-19, or other factors. In such an event, no assurance can be given that we would be able to secure our raw materials from sources other than our current suppliers on terms as favorable as our current terms, or at all. Any such shortages, as well as significant increases in the cost of any of the principal raw materials that we use, including such shortages or material increases resulting from the introduction of tariffs, such as the introduction of tariffs of 10% on aluminum imports into the United States in 2018, which remain in effect, could have a
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material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further tariffs, sanctions, duties, other trade actions or increases in our transportation costs, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the relative price of oil and its by-products may impact our business, by affecting transport, coatings, lacquer and ink costs. Additionally, certain energy sources are vital to our operations, and future increases in energy costs could result in a significant increase in our operating costs, which could, if we are not able to recover these costs, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For instance, whilst we have no operations in either country, the conflict between Russian and Ukraine has resulted in regional instability and the introduction of heightened economic sanctions against Russia by the U.S. and the international community, which could, among other things, increase uncertainty with respect to the global economy and financial markets and lead to a significant increase in our energy and other input costs, as well as limiting their availability, including as a result of uncertainties with regard to Russia’s production and export of oil and gas, aluminum and other materials. Accordingly, the conflict and the related economic sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our operating costs, and in turn, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The primary raw materials that we use are aluminum ingot and, to a much lesser extent, steel. Aluminum ingot is traded daily as a commodity on the London Metal Exchange, which has historically been subject to significant price volatility. Because aluminum is priced in U.S. dollar, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/euro rate also affect the euro cost of aluminum ingot. Our business is exposed to both the availability of aluminum and the volatility of aluminum prices, including associated premia. While raw materials are generally available from a range of suppliers, they are subject to fluctuations in price and availability based on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, commodity price fluctuations (with respect to aluminum on the London Metal Exchange), the demand by other industries, such as automotive, aerospace and construction, for the same raw materials and the availability of complementary and substitute materials. In particular, the level of investment in beverage can capacity expansion by us and other beverage can producers will require a significant increase in can sheet production by the aluminum suppliers, which will in turn require significant investment and capital expenditures. Failure by the suppliers to increase capacity could cause supply shortages and significant increases in the cost of these raw materials, notably aluminum. In addition, adverse economic or financial changes, industrial disputes or pandemic-related disruptions could impact our suppliers, thereby causing supply shortages or increasing costs for our business.
We may not be able to pass on all or substantially all raw material price increases. In addition, we may not be able to hedge successfully against raw material cost increases. Furthermore, aluminum prices are subject to considerable volatility in price and demand. While in the past sufficient quantities of aluminum have been generally available for purchase, these quantities may not be available in the future, and, even if available, we may not be able to continue to purchase them at current prices. Further increases in the cost of these raw materials could adversely affect our operating margins and cash flows.
The supplier industries from which we receive our raw materials are relatively concentrated, and this concentration can impact raw material costs. Over the last ten years, the number of major aluminum and steel suppliers has decreased and there remains the possibility of further consolidation. Further consolidation could hinder our ability to obtain adequate supplies of these raw materials and could lead to higher prices for aluminum and steel.
The failure to obtain adequate supplies of raw materials or increases in the costs of these products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Currency, interest rate fluctuations and commodity prices may have a material impact on our business.
The Company’s functional currency is the euro and we present our financial information in U.S. dollar. Insofar as possible, we actively manage currency exposures through the deployment of assets and liabilities throughout the Group and, when necessary and economically justified, enter into currency hedging arrangements to manage our exposure to currency fluctuations by hedging against rate changes with respect to our functional currency, the euro. However, we may not be successful in limiting such exposure, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
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operations. In addition, our presented results may be impacted as a result of fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate versus the euro.
We have production facilities in 9 different countries worldwide. We also sell products to, and obtain raw materials from, entities located in these and different regions and countries globally. As a consequence, a significant portion of our consolidated revenue, costs, assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than the euro, particularly the U.S. dollar, the British pound and the Brazilian real. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 71% of our revenue were from countries with currencies other than the euro. The exchange rates between the currencies which we are exposed to, such as the euro, the U.S. dollar and the British pound, have fluctuated significantly in the past and may continue to do so in the future.
Our policy is, where practical, to match net investments in foreign currencies with borrowings in the same currency. Fluctuations in the value of these currencies with respect to the euro may have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to currency translation risk, we are subject to currency transaction risk. Changes in exchange rates can affect our ability to purchase raw materials and sell products at profitable prices, reduce the value of our assets and revenues, and increase liabilities and costs.
We are also exposed to interest rate risk. Fluctuations in interest rates may affect our interest expense on existing debt and the cost of new financing. We may use CCIRS to manage this type of risk, but sustained increases in interest rates could nevertheless materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to changes in prices of our main raw materials, primarily aluminum and energy. Aluminum ingot is traded daily as a commodity on the London Metal Exchange, which has historically been subject to significant price volatility. Because aluminum is priced in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/euro rate also affect the euro cost of aluminum ingot. The price and foreign currency risk on the aluminum purchases are hedged by entering into swaps under which we pay fixed euro and U.S. dollar prices, respectively. Furthermore, the relative price of oil and its by-products may materially impact our business, affecting our transport, lacquer and ink costs.
We use derivative agreements to manage some of the material cost risk. The use of derivative contracts to manage our risk is dependent on robust hedging procedures. Increasing raw material costs over time has the potential, if we are unable to pass on price increases, to reduce sales volume and could therefore have a significant impact on our financial condition. We are also exposed to possible interruptions of supply of aluminum or other raw materials and any inability to purchase raw materials could negatively impact our operations.
As a result of the volatility of gas and electricity prices, we have developed an active hedging strategy to fix a significant proportion of our energy costs through contractual arrangements directly with our suppliers. Our policy is to purchase gas and electricity by entering into forward price-fixing arrangements with suppliers for the majority of our anticipated requirements for the year ahead. Such contracts are used exclusively to obtain delivery of our anticipated energy supplies. We do not net settle, nor do we sell within a short period of time after taking delivery. We avail of the own use exemption and, therefore, these contracts are treated as executory contracts. We typically build up these contractual positions in tranches of approximately 10% of the anticipated volumes. Any gas and electricity which is not purchased under forward price-fixing arrangements is purchased under index tracking contracts or at spot prices. To the extent this hedging strategy is not effective, it could negatively impact on our costs.
For a further discussion of these matters and the measures we have taken to seek to protect our business against these risks, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
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Our inability to fully pass-through input costs may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations
A significant number of our sales contracts with customers include provisions enabling us to pass-through increases and reductions in certain input costs, such as aluminum and coatings, which help us deliver consistent margins, although margin percentages may fluctuate as a result. However, there is no assurance that the Company will be in a position to fully recover increased input costs from all of our customers.
Our manufacturing facilities are subject to operating hazards.
Our manufacturing processes include cutting, coating and shaping metal into containers. These processes, which are conducted at high speeds and involve operating heavy machinery and equipment, entail risks and hazards, including industrial accidents, leaks and ruptures, explosions, fires, mechanical failures and environmental hazards, such as spills, storage tank leaks, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances and gases. These hazards may cause unplanned business interruptions, unscheduled downtime, transportation interruptions, personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to or the destruction of property and equipment, environmental contamination and other environmental damage, civil, criminal and administrative sanctions and liabilities, and third-party claims, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are involved in a manufacturing process with fixed costs. Any interruption in the operations of our manufacturing facilities, including its supply chain, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
All of our manufacturing activities take place at facilities that we own or that we lease under long-term leases. We conduct regular maintenance on all of our operating equipment. However, due to the extreme operating conditions inherent in some of our manufacturing processes, we cannot assure you that we will not incur unplanned business interruptions due to equipment breakdowns, similar manufacturing problems or disruption to our IT and other automated processes, including through cyber security incidents, such as the cyber security incident that was discovered by AGSA in May 2021 and is described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Cyber Security Incident” in this annual report or that such interruptions will not have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In such a scenario, it is very unlikely that alternative production capacity would be available in the future. A disruption in such circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
To the extent that we experience any equipment failures or similar manufacturing problems, we will be required to make unplanned capital expenditures even though we may not have available resources at such time and we may not be able to meet customer demand, which would result in a loss of revenues. As a result, our liquidity may be impaired as a result of such expenditures and loss of revenues or the incurrence of unplanned capital expenditures.
A mechanical failure or disruption affecting any major operating line may result in a disruption of our ability to supply customers. The potential impact of any disruption would depend on the nature and extent of the damage caused to such facility. For example, our industry’s business model typically involves a beverage can ends plant supplying multiple beverage can plants. A failure or disruption in an ends plant could impact our ability to supply multiple customers with ends and any inability to source ends from another location could result in a material loss of sales. Further, our facilities in geographically vulnerable areas, including parts of the United States, may be disrupted by the occurrence of natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires.
We may not be able to integrate any future acquisitions effectively.
We aim over the longer term to continue to expand our packaging activities. This strategy may in the future require us to capitalize on strategic opportunities, including the acquisition of existing businesses.
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There is no certainty that any businesses we may acquire in the future will be effectively integrated. If we cannot successfully integrate acquired businesses within a reasonable time frame, we may not be able to realize the potential benefits anticipated from those acquisitions. Our failure to successfully integrate such businesses and the diversion of management attention and other resources from our existing operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, even if we are able to integrate successfully the operations of acquired businesses, we may not be able to realize the cost savings, synergies and revenue enhancements that we anticipate either in the anticipated amount or time frame, and the costs of achieving these benefits may be higher than, and the timing may differ from, what we expect. Our ability to realize anticipated cost savings and synergies may be affected by a number of factors, including the following:
● | the use of more cash or other financial resources on integration and implementation activities than we expect, including restructuring and other exit costs; |
● | conditions imposed in connection with obtaining required regulatory approvals; and |
● | increases in acquisition costs and expenses, which may offset the cost savings and other synergies realized from such acquisitions. |
To the extent we pursue an acquisition that causes us to incur unexpected costs or that fails to generate expected returns, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A significant write down of goodwill would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our goodwill as of December 31, 2021 totaled $1.0 billion. The Company evaluates goodwill annually following approval of the annual budget or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred. The determination of the recoverable amounts of goodwill requires the use of estimates and assumptions which are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. As described further in the audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, the Group uses the value in use (“VIU”) model for the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, as this reflects the Group’s intention to hold and operate the assets. However, if an impairment indicator exists for a CGU, the Group also uses the fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) model in order to establish the recoverable amount being the higher of the VIU model and FVLCD model when compared to the carrying value of the CGU. Sensitivity analysis is performed reflecting potential variations in assumptions. Future changes in the estimates and assumptions used in the VIU or FVLCD models, general market conditions, or other factors may cause the Company’s goodwill to be impaired, resulting in a non-cash charge against results of operations to write down goodwill for the amount of the impairment. If a significant write down is required, the charge would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Climate change or legal, regulatory or other measures to address climate change or related concerns, may adversely affect our ability to conduct our business, including the availability and cost of resources required for our production processes.
There is a growing concern that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (“GHG”) in the atmosphere may have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather and precipitation patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. The impact of climate change presents immediate and long-term climate risks, or risks of loss arising from climate change, to us and the markets in which we operate, which are expected to increase over time. Climate risks consist of physical risks and transition risks, either of which may adversely affect our ability to conduct
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our business. The Company’s operations could be exposed to physical risks resulting from chronic and acute climate change and extreme weather-related events, such as increased storms, drought, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes or floods, which may directly damage our physical assets (e.g. facilities, materials) or otherwise impact their value or productivity, as well as cause raw material shortages, supply chain interruptions and increase health and safety risks, among other risks. The Company also could be exposed to transition risks resulting from changes in policy, technology and market preference to address climate change, such as carbon price policies, including increased prices for certain fuels, including natural gas and the introduction of a carbon tax, and power generation shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy, which may lead to changes in the value of assets. Additionally, measures to address climate change through laws and regulations, for example by requiring reductions in emissions of GHGs or the introduction of compliance schemes, could create economic risks and uncertainties for our businesses, by increasing GHG-related costs, the cost of abatement equipment to reduce emissions to comply with legal requirements on GHG emissions or required technological standards, as well as reduced demand for the Group’s products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The vast majority of the Group’s Scope 3 Emissions arise in the various stages of the manufacture of the aluminum and steel coils that we purchase. In line with our commitment to Science-Based Sustainability Targets, we have a plan to reduce these emissions. There is a risk that if we fail to meet our targets and reduce our emissions, this may result in increased costs for the Group in the form of carbon taxes and reputational damage around our sustainability commitment.
We are subject to various environmental and other legal requirements and may be subject to new requirements of this kind in the future that could impose substantial costs upon us.
Our operations and properties are subject to extensive laws, ordinances, regulations and other legal requirements relating to the protection of people and the environment. The laws and regulations which may affect our operations include requirements regarding remediation of contaminated soil, groundwater and buildings, water supply and use, natural resources, water discharges, air emissions, waste management, noise pollution, asbestos and other deleterious materials, the generation, storage, handling, transportation and disposal of regulated materials, product safety, food safety, and workplace health and safety. These laws and regulations are also subject to constant review by lawmakers and regulators which may result in further, including more stringent, environmental or health and safety legal requirements. We strive to mitigate risks related to environmental issues, including through the purchase of renewable energy, the adoption of sustainable practices, and by positioning ourselves as a sustainability leader in our industry.
We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, costs to comply with such legal requirements, and these costs may increase in the future. Demands for more stringent pollution control devices could also result in the need for further capital upgrades to our plant operations. Further, in order to comply with air emission restrictions, significant capital investments may be necessary at some sites. We require a variety of permits to conduct our operations, including operating permits such as those required under various U.S. laws, including the federal Clean Air Act, and the EU IED water and trade effluent discharge permits, water abstraction permits and waste permits. We are in the process of applying for, or renewing, permits at a number of our sites. Failure to obtain and maintain the relevant permits, as well as noncompliance with such permits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we violate or fail to comply with these laws and regulations or our permits, we could be subject to criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and liabilities, including substantial fines and orders, or a partial or total shutdown of our operations, as well as litigation, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In Europe, under the IED and its reference document for “Best Available Techniques” for metal manufacturing plants with surface treatment using solvents, permitted emissions levels from these plants including ours are substantially reduced periodically. EU member states introduced lower permitted emission levels into national legislation, which could potentially result in stricter limits in the future. These types of changes could require additional investment in our affected operations. There may be greenhouse gas compliance or emission control schemes introduced in any jurisdiction on
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country and local municipality level which include metal packaging which may require additional measures to control the emission of greenhouse gases that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes to the laws and regulations governing the materials that are used in our manufacturing operations may impact the price of such materials or result in such materials no longer being available, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The European Union passed regulations concerning REACH, which place onerous obligations on the manufacturers and importers of substances, preparations and articles containing substances, and which may have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, substances we use may have to be removed from the market (under REACH’s authorization and restriction provisions) or need to be substituted for alternative chemicals which may also adversely impact upon our operations.
Sites at which we operate often have a long history of industrial activities and may be, or have been in the past, engaged in activities involving the use of materials and processes that could give rise to contamination and result in potential liability to investigate or remediate, as well as claims for alleged damage to persons, property or natural resources. Liability may be imposed on us an owner, occupier or operator of contaminated facilities. These legal requirements may apply to contamination at sites that we currently or formerly owned, occupied or operated, or that were formerly, owned, occupied or operated by companies we acquired or at sites where we have sent waste offsite for treatment or disposal. Regarding assets acquired by us, we cannot assure you that our due diligence investigations identified or accurately quantified all material environmental matters related to the acquired facilities. Our closure of a site may accelerate the need to investigate and remediate any contamination at the site.
In addition, we may be required to remediate contaminated third-party sites where we have sent waste for disposal. Liability for remediation of these third-party sites may be established without regard to whether the party disposing of the waste was at fault or the disposal activity was legal at the time it was conducted. For example, “Superfund” sites in the United States are the highest priority contaminated sites designated by the federal government as requiring remediation, and costs of their remediation tend to be high. Whether we will have any liability for investigation and remediation costs at this or any other Superfund site or for costs relating to claims for natural resource damages, and what portion of the costs we must bear, has not been determined.
Changes in product requirements and their enforcement may have a material impact on our operations.
Changes in laws and regulations relating to deposits on, and any limits or restrictions to recycling of, metal packaging could adversely affect our business if implemented on a large scale in the major markets in which we operate. Changes in laws and regulations imposing restrictions on, and conditions for use of, food contact materials or on the use of materials and agents in the production of our products could likewise adversely affect our business. Changes to health and food safety regulations could increase costs and also might have a material adverse effect on revenues if, as a result, the public attitude toward end-products, for which we provide packaging, were substantially affected.
Additionally, the effectiveness of new standards such as the ones related to recycling or deposits on different packaging materials, could result in excess costs or logistical constraints for some of our customers, who could choose to reduce their consumption and limit the use of metal packaging for their products. We could thus be forced to reduce, suspend or even stop the production of certain types of products. The regulatory changes could also affect our prices, margins, investments and activities, particularly if these changes resulted in significant or structural changes in the market for food packaging that might affect the market shares for metal packaging, the volumes produced or production costs.
Environmental concerns could lead U.S., Brazilian, European Union or United Kingdom, bodies to implement other product regulations that are likely to impose restrictions on us and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There is significant variation, among countries where we sell our products, in the limitation on certain constituents in packaging, which can have the effect of restricting the types of raw materials
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we use. In turn, these restrictions can increase our operating costs, by requiring increased energy consumption or greater environmental controls.
Our operations are subject to laws and regulations in multiple jurisdictions relating to some of the raw materials utilized in our can-making process, such as epoxy-based coatings. Changes in regulatory agency statements, adverse information concerning bisphenol A or rulings made in certain jurisdictions may result in restrictions, for example, on bisphenol A in epoxy-based internal liners for some of our products. Such restrictions have required us, together with our respective suppliers and customers, to develop substitutes for relevant products to meet legal and customer requirements.
Increasing legal requirements on the reporting, due diligence and restricted use of “conflict minerals” originating from mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries as well as any increasing regulatory requirements on the bauxite or cassiterite value chain could bear reputational and compliance risks along the supply chain and affect the sourcing, availability and economics of minerals used in the manufacture of aluminum and steel beverage cans.
We could incur significant costs due to the location of some of our industrial sites in urban areas.
Obtaining, renewing or maintaining permits and authorizations issued by administrative authorities necessary to operate our production plants could be made more difficult due to the increasing urbanization of the sites where some of our manufacturing plants are located. Urbanization could lead to more stringent operating conditions (by imposing traffic restrictions for example), conditions for obtaining or renewing the necessary authorizations, the refusal to grant or renew these authorizations, or expropriations of these sites in order to allow urban planning projects to proceed.
The occurrence of such events could result in us incurring significant costs and there can be no assurance that the occurrence of such events would entitle us to partial or full compensation.
We could incur significant costs in relation to claims of injury and illness resulting from materials present or used at our production sites, or from our use of these sites or other workplace injuries, or from our products.
We may face liability claims arising out of our manufacturing processes and our products, including alleged personal injury due to exposure to chemicals or other hazardous substances at our manufacturing facilities, workplace injuries and product liabilities claims. Failure to accurately assess potential risks or assure implementation of effective safety measures may result in increases in the relative frequency or severity of workplace injuries at our manufacturing facilities, which may result in increased workers’ compensation claims expense. Any substantial increase in the success of these claims could negatively affect our reputation, operating results and financial condition.
We may be subject to litigation, arbitration and other proceedings that could have an adverse effect on us.
We are currently involved in various litigation matters, and we anticipate that we will be involved in litigation matters from time to time in the future. The risks inherent in our business expose us to litigation, including personal injury, environmental litigation, contractual litigation with customers and suppliers, intellectual property litigation, tax or securities litigation, and product liability lawsuits. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim, regulatory investigation, or other litigation matter, or a combination of these. If we are involved in any future litigation, or if our positions concerning current disputes are found to be incorrect, this may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of liabilities imposed on us, the costs associated with asserting our claims or defending such lawsuits, and the diversion of management’s attention to these matters.
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We are subject to an extensive, complex and evolving legal and regulatory framework, which may expose us to investigations by governmental authorities, legal proceedings and fines.
Our business encompasses multiple jurisdictions and complex legal and regulatory frameworks, including in relation to anti-trust, economic sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering matters. Laws and regulations in these areas are complex and constantly evolving and enforcement continues to increase. As a result, we may become subject to increasing limitations on our business activities and to the risk of fines or other sanctions for non-compliance. Additionally, we may become subject to governmental investigations and lawsuits by private parties. These could require significant expenditures and result in liabilities or governmental orders that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in consumer lifestyle, nutritional preferences, health-related concerns and consumer taxation could adversely affect our business.
Changes in consumer preferences and tastes can have an impact on demand for our customers’ products, which in turn can lead to reduced demand for our products. Certain end-products represent a significant proportion of our packaging market. Our ability to develop new product offerings for a diverse group of global customers with differing preferences, while maintaining functionality and spurring innovation, is critical to our success. This requires a thorough understanding of our existing and potential customers and end users on a global basis, particularly in potential high developing markets. Failure to adapt and deliver quality products that meet customer or end user needs, through research and development or licensing of new technology, ahead of competitors, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Additionally, public health and government officials have become increasingly concerned about the health consequences associated with over-consumption of certain types of beverages, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, including those produced by certain of our customers. For example, France and the United Kingdom have introduced taxes on drinks with added sugar and artificial sweeteners that companies produce or import. France has also imposed taxes on energy drinks using certain amounts of taurine and caffeine. As a result of such taxes, demand decreased temporarily in these countries, and the imposition of similar taxes in the future may lower the demand for certain soft drinks and beverages that our customers produce, which may cause our customers to respond by reducing their purchases of our metal packaging products. Consumer tax legislation and future attempts to tax sugar or energy drinks or to lower consumption of certain alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories by other jurisdictions could reduce the demand for our products and adversely affect our profitability.
In addition, any decline in the popularity of these product types as a result of lifestyle, nutrition or health considerations, or our inability to adapt to customer needs, could have a significant impact on our customers and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face costs and future funding obligations associated with post-retirement benefits provided to employees, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
As of December 31, 2021, our accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation, net of employee benefit assets, was approximately $178 million covering employees in multiple jurisdictions. The costs associated with these and other benefits to employees could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We operate and contribute to pension and other post-retirement benefit schemes (including both single employer and multiple employer schemes) funded by a range of assets that include property, derivatives, equities and/or bonds. The value of these assets is heavily dependent on the performance of markets, which are subject to volatility. The liability structure of the obligations to provide such benefits is also subject to market volatility in relation to its accounting valuation and management. Additional significant funding of our pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations may be required if market underperformance is severe. In addition, we may have to make significant cash payments to some or all
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of these plans, including under guarantee agreements, as a consequence of this transaction or otherwise in the future to provide additional funding, which would reduce the cash available for our businesses.
Under the United States Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, the U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) has the authority to terminate pension plans regulated by the PBGC if certain funding requirements are not met; any such termination would further accelerate the cash obligations related to such a pension plan.
Organized strikes or work stoppages by unionized employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Many of our operating companies are party to collective bargaining agreements with trade unions. These agreements cover the majority of our employees and although we consider our employee relations to be generally good, a prolonged work stoppage or strike at any facility with union employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot ensure that, upon the expiration of existing collective bargaining agreements, new agreements will be reached without union action or that our operating companies will be able to negotiate acceptable new contracts with trade unions, which could result in strikes by the affected workers and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union members. If unionized workers at our operating companies or any unionized workers were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, we could experience a significant disruption of operations and/or higher ongoing labor costs, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure of control measures and systems resulting in faulty or contaminated product could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have strict control measures and systems in place to ensure that the maximum safety and quality of our products is maintained. The consequences of a product not meeting these rigorous standards, due to, among other things, accidental or malicious raw materials contamination or due to supply chain contamination caused by human error or equipment fault, could be severe. Such consequences might include adverse effects on consumer health, litigation exposures, loss of market share, financial costs and loss of revenues.
In addition, if our products fail to meet rigorous standards, we may be required to incur substantial costs in taking appropriate corrective action (up to and including recalling products from consumers) and to reimburse customers and/or end-consumers for losses that they suffer as a result of this failure. Customers and end-consumers may seek to recover these losses through litigation and, under applicable legal rules, may succeed in any such claim, despite there being no negligence or other fault on our part. Placing an unsafe product on the market, failing to notify the regulatory authorities of a safety issue, failing to take appropriate corrective action and failing to meet other regulatory requirements relating to product safety could lead to regulatory investigation, enforcement action and/or prosecution. Any product quality or safety issue may also result in adverse publicity, which may damage our reputation. This could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we have not had material claims for damages for defective products in the past, and have not conducted any substantial product recalls or other material corrective action, these events may occur in the future.
In certain contracts, we provide warranties in respect of the proper functioning of our products and the conformity of a product to the specific use defined by the customer.
In addition, if a product contained in packaging manufactured by us is faulty or contaminated, it is possible that the manufacturer of the product may allege that our packaging is the cause of the fault or contamination, even if the packaging complies with contractual specifications.
In case of the failure of packaging produced by us to open properly or to preserve the integrity of its contents, we could face liability to our customers and to third parties for bodily injury or other tangible or intangible damages suffered
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as a result. Such liability, if it were to be established in relation to a sufficient volume of claims or to claims for sufficiently large amounts, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our existing insurance coverage may be insufficient and future coverage may be difficult or expensive to obtain.
Our insurance arrangements are subject to the limitations of certain market capacities and the economics of certain types of cover, and may typically exclude certain risks and are subject to certain thresholds and limits. We cannot assure you that our property, plant and equipment, inventories, IT systems and networks will not suffer damages due to unforeseen events or that the proceeds available from our insurance arrangements will be sufficient to protect us from all possible loss or damage resulting from such events. As a result, our insurance coverage may prove to be inadequate for events that may cause significant disruption to our operations, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may suffer indirect losses, such as the disruption of our business or third-party claims of damages, as a result of an insured risk event. While we carry business interruption coverage and general liability coverage, such coverage is subject to certain limitations, thresholds and limits, and may not fully cover all indirect losses.
We renew our insurance arrangements on an annual basis. The cost of coverage may increase to an extent that we may choose to reduce our coverage limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. Among other factors, adverse political developments, limited insurance market capacity, security concerns and natural disasters in any country in which we operate may materially adversely affect available insurance coverage and result in increased premiums for available coverage and additional exclusions from coverage.
Our business may suffer if we do not retain our executive and senior management.
We depend on our experienced executive team, who are identified under “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees” of this annual report. The loss of services of any of the members of our executive team, members of senior management or other key personnel could adversely affect our business until a suitable replacement can be found. There may be a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions and there is no assurance that we would be able to locate or employ such qualified personnel on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our business may also suffer if we experience high levels of staff turnover across senior plant-based roles, where recruiting for replacements with similar expertise in can-making may not always be possible.
The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union may have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Approximately 10% of our total 2021 revenue was derived from revenues generated in the United Kingdom and 3 of our 24 manufacturing facilities are located in the United Kingdom, as of December 31, 2021.
The relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union is governed by a Withdrawal Agreement entered into at the end of January 2020, and a Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which took effect from January 1, 2021 (the “Brexit Agreements”). The Brexit Agreements provide for a zero tariff, zero quota arrangement on sales of goods and agriproducts between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Customs duties on goods originating outside the European Union or United Kingdom, or in the event that the zero tariff arrangements under the Brexit Agreements are amended or suspended, might lead to additional costs for products and materials shipped from the United Kingdom to Europe or from Europe to the United Kingdom respectively. Further, required changes to our business systems and processes in order to comply with newly introduced customs procedures may lead to additional costs.
More generally, differences in standards or processes or risk aversion may mean that some businesses choose not to serve other markets on a temporary or permanent basis, causing supplier disruption. Uncertainty remains regarding the
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impact of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (“Brexit”) and the Brexit Agreements on the United Kingdom and Europe, including among commercial parties in the United Kingdom and the European Union, financial institutions, suppliers and service providers and their respective customers. Any changes to the trading relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union arising from the Brexit Agreements may adversely affect the cost or timing of imports, including aluminum and coatings.
Some of our customers are based in the United Kingdom and export outside the local United Kingdom market. These customers may experience reduced demand or delays arising from these post-Brexit arrangements. Although we seek to export through channels where delays would be minimized, we have nonetheless experienced delays in the transport of certain products, consumables and other materials particularly in relation to shipments from the United Kingdom to the European Union. The impact of these delays, if prolonged, could adversely affect our financial condition and the results of our operations.
Brexit may also have an adverse impact on our business, employees and customers in the United Kingdom. In particular, the Brexit Agreements allow for the possibility of future changes in laws and regulations. Such changes could include import, tax and employment laws and regulations, which could adversely impact the results of operations of our United Kingdom business. For example, there is uncertainty with regard to the upcoming regulatory regime relating to environmental permits and permissions, with such environmental permits and permissions currently governed by the EU IED (Directive 2010/75/EU). More burdensome requirements imposed by the new upcoming regulatory regime could require that we commit additional resources to ensure compliance and although we will use reasonable efforts to ensure such compliance, the introduction of new regulations increases the risk of non-compliance.
Further, continued political uncertainty as a result of Brexit may result in negative effects on credit markets, and foreign direct investments in Europe and the United Kingdom. It may also result in volatility in the British pound foreign exchange markets and interest rates. See also the risk factor entitled “Currency, interest rate fluctuations and commodity prices may have a material impact on our business.”
Brexit could also lead to legal and regulatory uncertainty and politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union is defined and the United Kingdom determines which European Union laws to replace or amend. Volatility in political, regulatory, economic or market conditions could adversely affect employment rates, increase consumer and commercial bankruptcy filings, negatively impact on national and local economies, and cause other results that negatively affect household incomes.
The economic outlook could be further adversely affected by the risk that one or more European Union member states could also leave the European Union, the risk of a demand for independence by Scotland or Northern Ireland, or the risk that the euro as the single currency of any or all of the Eurozone member states could cease to exist. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on the stability of global financial markets, and could significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Asset valuations, currency exchange rates and credit ratings may be especially subject to increased market volatility. These negative impacts could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic and any future epidemics may have a negative impact on worldwide economic activity and our business.
The COVID-19 global pandemic and measures to prevent its spread, including restrictions on travel, imposition of quarantines and prolonged closures of workplaces and other businesses, including hospitality, leisure and entertainment outlets, and the related cancellation of events, has impacted our business in a number of ways.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced global economic activity resulting in lower demand for certain of our customers’ products and, therefore, the products we manufacture, though demand for “at-home” consumption has
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increased and therefore demand for many of our customers’ products and, as a result, for the products we manufacture, has proven to be resilient to date during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has at times caused, and may again give rise to an adverse effect on our operations, including disruptions to our supply chain and workforce and the incurrence of increased costs. Although our production has not been significantly impacted to date, our plants may be required to curtail or cease production in response to the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 impact on capital markets could also impact our cost of borrowing. In addition, our customers, distribution partners, service providers or suppliers may experience financial distress, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, or suffer disruptions in their business due to the outbreak of COVID-19, which would have a negative impact on our business. The extent of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and results of operations continues to be uncertain.
The ultimate significance of these disruptions, including the extent of their adverse impact on our financial and operational results, will be determined by the duration of the ongoing pandemic, its severity in the markets that we serve and the nature and efficacy of government and other regulatory responses, protective measures and vaccination programs, and the related impact on macroeconomic activity and consumer behavior.
If the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated despite containment efforts, it could cause a severe economic slowdown and potentially an extended recession or depression, which would adversely affect the demand for our products or cause other unpredictable events, each of which would adversely affect its business, results of operations or financial condition. Any future epidemics may also have similar, or more severe, effects on global economic activity and on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Increasing privacy and data security obligations or a significant data breach may adversely affect the Company’s business.
The Company will continue its efforts to meet data security obligations and manage evolving cyber security threats, including events such as the cyber security incident that was discovered by AGSA in May 2021, and is described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects —Cyber Security Incident” in this annual report, and which resulted in the exfiltration and dissemination of certain data. The loss, disclosure, misappropriation of or access to employees’ or business partners’ information or the Company’s failure to meet its obligations could result in lost revenue, increased costs, legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties, including, for instance, under the EU General Data Protection Regulation or the California Consumer Privacy Act. A significant data breach or the Company’s failure to meet its obligations may adversely affect the Company’s reputation and financial condition.
The Company’s heavy reliance on technology and automated systems to operate its business could mean any significant failure or disruption of the technology or these systems, including as a result of cyber security attacks, could materially harm its business.
The Company depends on automated systems and technology to operate its business, including accounting systems, manufacturing systems and telecommunication systems. The Company operates a cyber and information risk management program including operating a global information security function, which partners with global leaders in the security industry to deliver an integrated information and cyber risk management service using state-of-the-art technologies in areas including antivirus & anti-malware, email and web security platforms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, cyber threat intelligence services and advanced persistent threat detection. Such services are provided to the Company by AGSA pursuant to the Services Agreement. The Company also partners with global leaders to deliver high availability and resilient systems and communication platforms. However, these systems could suffer substantial or repeated disruptions due to various events, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, equipment or software failures, user errors, computer viruses or cyber security attacks. We have recently observed an increase in cyber security attacks, predominantly ransomware and social engineering attacks. As the cyber-threat landscape evolves, these attacks are growing in frequency, sophistication and intensity, and due to the nature of some of these attacks, there is also a risk that they may remain undetected for a period of time.
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We have been the target of cyber-attacks and expect such attacks to continue. On May 17, 2021, AGSA announced that it had recently experienced a cyber security incident, the response to which included temporarily shutting down certain IT systems and applications used by us, as described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects —Cyber Security Incident” in this annual report. Our cyber and information risk management program aims to reduce our cyber security risks and monitors our systems on an ongoing basis for any current or potential threats. However, there can be no assurance that our continuing efforts will prevent disruptions or breaches to our or our third-party providers’ databases or systems that could adversely affect our business.
Substantial or repeated systems failures or disruptions, including through not effectively remediating system failures, cyber security incidents and other disruptions, could result in the unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, improper use of our systems and networks, defective products, harm to individuals or property, contractual or regulatory actions and fines, penalties and potential liabilities, production downtime and operational disruptions and loss or compromise of important data, which may result in increased costs and lost revenue and competitiveness and may negatively impact our reputation, any of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime may further increase this risk.
Our substantial debt could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to effectively manage and grow our business.
We have a substantial amount of debt and significant debt service obligations. As of December 31, 2021, we had total borrowings and net debt of $2.9 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. For more information, see the description of our debt facilities and the table outlining our principal financing arrangements in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Our substantial debt could have negative consequences for us and for our shareholders. For example, our substantial debt could:
● | require us to dedicate a large portion of our cash flow from operations to service debt and fund repayments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes; |
● | increase our vulnerability to adverse general economic or industry conditions; |
● | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business or industry; |
● | limit our ability to raise additional debt or equity capital in the future; |
● | restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting business opportunities; and |
● | place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt. |
Further, notwithstanding our current indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we may still be able to incur substantial additional debt or make certain restricted payments, which could exacerbate the risks described above.
Negative developments in our business, results of operations and financial condition due to changes in global economic conditions or other factors could cause ratings agencies to lower the credit ratings, or ratings outlook, of our short- and long-term debt and, consequently, impair our ability to raise new financing or refinance our current borrowings and increase our costs of issuing any new debt instruments.
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We are controlled by AGSA, whose interests may conflict with our interests and the interests of other shareholders.
AGSA owns approximately 75% of our outstanding Shares, and, under the Business Combination Agreement, has the right to receive up to an additional 60,730,000 Shares (the “Earnout Shares”) if the trading prices of Shares exceed certain specified amounts during specified periods of time. As a controlling shareholder of AMPSA, AGSA is able to exercise significant influence over our business policies and affairs, including the composition of our board of directors and any action requiring approval of our shareholders. In addition, as long as AGSA beneficially owns a specified number of the outstanding Shares, pursuant to the Shareholders Agreement, AGSA has the right to designate a specified number of directors, including the chair, to our board of directors, receive access to certain information for the benefit of AGSA, approve certain of our significant actions, receive our cooperation with certain matters relating to us, and access certain information for registration rights with respect to its Shares. For more information, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions–B. Related Party Transaction” in this annual report.
Additionally, being a controlled company, relevant risks materializing at the ultimate parent level could have a negative impact on our share price, financial condition, credit ratings or reputation. It is also possible that AGSA’s controlling shareholders may take actions in relation to our business that are not entirely in our best interests or the best interests of the other shareholders of AGSA or those of AMPSA.
Our ability to operate our business effectively depends in large part on certain administrative and other support functions provided to us by Ardagh Group pursuant to the Services Agreement. Following the expiration or termination of the Services Agreement, our ability to operate our business effectively may suffer if we are unable to cost-effectively establish our own administrative and other support functions in order to operate as a stand-alone company.
We rely on certain administrative and other resources of Ardagh Group, including information technology, financial reporting, tax, treasury, human resources, procurement, insurance and risk management and legal services, to operate our business. The Services Agreement may be terminated as to any services or entirely by either AMPSA or Ardagh Group and for any reason as of and from December 31, 2024 or by either party upon a change of control of the other party, in either case with nine months’ prior written notice to the party undergoing a change of control. These services may not be sufficient to meet our needs and may not be provided at the same level as when the entities comprising AMPSA was part of Ardagh Group. AMPSA and Ardagh Group rely on the other to perform its obligations under the Services Agreement. If Ardagh Group were unable to satisfy its material obligations under the agreement, or if the agreement is terminated as to any services or entirely, AMPSA may not be able to obtain such services at all or obtain the services on terms as favorable as those in the Services Agreement, and could as a result suffer operational difficulties or significant losses.
In addition, the price for the corporate services provided pursuant to the Services Agreement have been fixed for calendar years 2021 through 2024 (subject to certain adjustments for third party pass-through costs and variations in volume-based services), but as of December 31, 2024, or if earlier, the date upon which AMPSA or Ardagh Group undergoes a change of control, the services will be provided at a price equal to the fully allocated cost of such services, or such other price to be negotiated in good faith by the parties, taking into consideration various factors, including the cost of providing such services and the level of services expected to be provided. There are no assurances that these fixed fees are more favorable than the price that we would have been able to pay if we obtained such services at a price equal to the fully allocated cost of such services or, if we had obtained such services from one or more third parties. There are also no assurances that the price of the services, when adjusted as of December 31, 2024 or upon a change of control of AMPSA or Ardagh Group, will not be significantly greater than the fixed price established for these services prior to such adjustment. Any failure or significant interruption of our own administrative systems or in Ardagh Group’s administrative systems during the term of the Services Agreement could result in unexpected costs, impact our results or prevent us from paying our suppliers or employees and performing other administrative services on a timely basis.
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We may have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we received in the Services Agreement with Ardagh Group.
The terms of the Services Agreement were agreed while AMPSA was a wholly owned subsidiary of Ardagh Group and in the context that Ardagh Group would have a controlling interest of AMPSA following the Merger. Accordingly, during the period in which the Services Agreement was prepared, AMPSA did not have an independent board of directors or a management team that was independent of Ardagh Group. As a result, the terms of the agreement may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arms’ length negotiations between unaffiliated third parties and any such arms’ length negotiations with an unaffiliated third party may have resulted in more favorable terms to AMPSA.
We do not have a history as a separate public company.
In the past, our operations have been a part of Ardagh Group and Ardagh Group provided us with certain financial, operational and managerial resources for conducting our business. Following the Merger, while a number of these resources continue to be at Ardagh Group and used to provide services to us under the Services Agreement, we perform certain of our own financial, operational and managerial functions. There are no assurances that we will be able to successfully maintain the financial, operational and managerial resources necessary to perform these functions.
The AMP Business historical financial results and consolidated financial statements prior to the AMP Transfer may not be representative of AMPSA’s results as a separate company.
The AMP Business historical financial information included in this annual report has been derived on a carve-out basis from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Ardagh Group and does not necessarily reflect what AMPSA’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had it been a separate company during the periods presented. Although Ardagh Group did account for AMPSA’s business as separate reporting segments, AMPSA was not operated as a separate company for the historical periods presented. The historical costs and expenses reflected in the consolidated financial statements prior to the AMP Transfer include an allocation for certain corporate functions historically provided by Ardagh Group, most of which continue to be provided pursuant to the Services Agreement. These allocations were based on what management considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of AMPSA’s business. The historical information does not necessarily reflect what the cost to AMPSA of these functions will be in the future, pursuant to the Services Agreement or otherwise. For additional information in relation to materially significant related party transactions during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, see note 25 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. Any further related party transactions in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were both immaterial and no more than incidental in nature.
Risks Related to Our Common Shares
Future sales of our Shares, including by AGSA, the Subscribers and the GHV Sponsor could have a negative impact on the price of our Shares.
Future sales of our Shares, or securities exercisable for those Shares, including by the Subscribers, the GHV Sponsor and AGSA, or the perception that sales may be made by these shareholders could significantly reduce the market price of our Shares. Further, even if none of these shareholders sell a large number of our Shares into the market, their right to sell their Shares as contemplated by the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement and the Subscription Agreements may depress the price of our Shares. Substantially all of our Shares may be sold in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, which could have the effect of increasing the volatility in the price of our Shares or putting significant downward pressure on their price. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions–B. Related Party Transactions” in this annual report.
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In addition, if we issue additional common shares, the ownership of our existing shareholders would be diluted and our earnings per share could be reduced, which may negatively affect the market price of our Shares.
There may not be a robust market for our Shares, which would adversely affect their liquidity and price.
The price of our Shares may fluctuate significantly due to general market, economic conditions, forecasts, general business condition and the release of our financial reports. An active trading market for our Shares may not be sustained. Additionally, if our Shares are delisted from NYSE for any reason and are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, their liquidity may be more limited than if they were quoted or listed on NYSE or another national securities exchange, and their trading price may decrease. Our shareholders may be unable to sell our Shares unless a market can be established or sustained.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us or our business or cease publishing research or reports about our market, or if they make recommendations regarding our Shares that is unfavorable to us, then the price of our Shares could decline.
The trading market for our Shares is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about the Company, our business, our market, or our competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover the Company make an unfavorable recommendation regarding our Shares, or provide more favorable relative recommendations regarding our competitors, the price of our Shares would likely decline. If in the future any analyst ceases coverage of the Company or fails to regularly publish reports regarding us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price of our Shares to decline.
The Warrants are exercisable for our Shares, which may increase the number of our Shares eligible for future resale in the public market and may result in dilution to our shareholders, and may adversely affect the market price of our Shares.
Outstanding Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 16,749,984 of our Shares are exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement. The Warrants are exercisable at the exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described in the Warrant Agreement. To the extent such Warrants are exercised, additional common shares will be issued, which will result in dilution to the holders of our Shares and increase the number of our Shares eligible for resale in the public market.
There is no guarantee that the Warrants will not expire worthless. Further, we may redeem unexpired Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to a Warrant holder, thereby making the Warrants worthless.
The exercise price for our Warrants is $11.50 per share. There is no guarantee that any of our Warrants will be in the money following the time they became exercisable and prior to their expiration, and as such, the Warrants may expire worthless.
Further, we have the ability to redeem outstanding Warrants pursuant to the Warrant Agreement subject to the conditions as set forth under Exhibit 2.6 “Description of Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act.” If and when the Warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right at a time that is disadvantageous to a Warrant holder.
The trading price of our securities may be volatile.
The trading price of our securities could be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Any of the factors listed below could have a material adverse effect on the
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investment in the Company’s securities and the securities may trade at prices significantly below the price paid for them. In such circumstances, the trading price of our securities may not recover and may experience a further decline.
Factors affecting the trading price of our securities may include:
the realization of any of the risk factors presented in this annual report;
•announcements of new products and services by us or our competitors;
•news regarding any gain or loss of customers by us;
•announcements of competitive developments, acquisitions or strategic alliances in our industry;
•changes in the general condition of the global economy and financial markets;
•general market conditions or other developments affecting us or our industry;
•cost and availability of raw materials;
•changes in environmental regulations or other laws or regulations applicable to our business;
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;
• | changes in financial projections or estimates about our financial or operational performance by securities research analysts; |
•changes in investor sentiment toward the stock of packaging companies;
• | announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us, our industry or both, or investigations by regulators into our business or those of our competitors; |
•changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
•any significant change in our management;
•adverse media reports about us or our directors and officers;
•public reaction to our press releases, other public announcements or filings with the SEC;
•a default under the agreements governing our indebtedness;
•release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our issued and outstanding Shares; and
•anticipated sales of additional shares.
Furthermore, the stock market may experience periods of unusual volatility that, in some cases, is unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance.
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In the past, following periods of market volatility, shareholders have instituted securities class action litigation. If we were involved in securities litigation, it could have a substantial cost and divert resources and the attention of executive management from our business regardless of the outcome of such litigation.
In the future, we may issue options, restricted shares and other forms of share-based compensation, which have the potential to dilute shareholder value and cause the price of our Shares to decline.
We may offer share options, restricted shares and other forms of share-based compensation to our directors, officers and employees in the future. If any options that we issue are exercised, or any restricted shares that we may issue vest, and those shares are sold into the public market, the market price of our Shares may decline. In addition, the availability of common shares for award under any equity incentive plan we may introduce, or the grant of share options, restricted shares or other forms of share-based compensation, may adversely affect the market price of our Shares.
The NYSE may not continue to list the Company’s securities on its exchange, which could limit the ability of investors to make transactions in the Company’s securities and subject the Company to additional trading restrictions.
To continue listing the Company’s securities on the NYSE, Company is required to demonstrate compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing requirements.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to meet the NYSE’s continued listing requirement or maintain other listing standards. If NYSE delists our securities for failure to meet such standards, the Company could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
• | less liquid trading market for our securities; |
•more limited market quotations for our securities;
• | determination that our Shares and/or Warrants are a “penny stock” that requires brokers to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for the Company’s securities; |
•more limited research coverage by stock analysts;
•loss of reputation;
•more difficult and more expensive equity financings in the future; and
•decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional funding in the future
The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a U.S. federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” If the Company’s Shares remain listed on the NYSE, such Shares will be covered securities. Although the states of the U.S. are preempted from regulating the sale of the Company’s securities, the U.S. federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. If the Company’s securities were no longer listed on the NYSE and therefore not “covered securities,” we would be subject to regulation in each U.S. state in which we offer the Company’s securities.
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In the event that we do not pay cash dividends on our Shares, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your shares for a price greater than that which you are deemed to have paid for it.
We have not paid any cash dividends to date. We intend to issue cash dividends on our Shares on a quarterly basis in 2022, but the declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends will be determined by our board of directors. Our board of directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, our available cash, current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions, implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders and such other factors as the board of directors may deem relevant.
As we are a holding company, our ability to pay cash dividends on our Shares may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain sufficient funds through dividends from subsidiaries, including restrictions under the terms of the agreements governing the current indebtedness of us and our subsidiaries or future indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may incur. Subject to any limitations referred to above, or as prescribed by Luxembourg Law, the declaration of future dividends, if any, will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital expenditure requirements, general financial conditions, legal and contractual restrictions and other factors.
We may need additional capital and may sell additional shares or other equity securities or incur indebtedness, which could result in additional dilution to our shareholders or increase our debt service obligations.
We may require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including our growth investment initiatives and any investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or incur debt under credit facilities we may put in place. The sale of additional equity securities could result in additional dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness could further limit our ability to pay dividends or require us to seek consents for the payment of dividends, increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions and limit our ability to pursue our business strategies. Such indebtedness could also require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund capital expenditure, working capital requirements and other general corporate needs, and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Risks Related to Being a Luxembourg Company and Our Status as a Foreign Private Issuer
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from a number of U.S. securities laws and rules promulgated thereunder and are permitted to publicly disclose less information than U.S. public companies are required to disclose. This may limit the information available to holders of our Shares. Conversely, if we lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, this could result in significant additional costs and expenses.
The Company qualifies as a “foreign private issuer,” as defined in the SEC’s rules and regulations, and, consequently, we are not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable to public companies organized within the United States. For example, AMPSA is exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that regulate disclosure obligations and procedural requirements related to the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations applicable to securities registered under the Exchange Act. In addition, AMPSA’s officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchases and sales of AMPSA’s securities, such that any such sales are not be required to be disclosed as promptly as they would need to be disclosed if AMPSA was a public company organized within the United States. Accordingly, once such sales are eventually disclosed, the price of our Shares may decline significantly. Moreover, we are not be required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. public companies are. The Company is also not subject to Regulation FD under the Exchange Act, which would prohibit us from selectively disclosing material nonpublic information to certain persons without concurrently making a widespread public disclosure of such
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information. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information concerning the Company than there is for U.S. public companies.
As a foreign private issuer, we file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the close of each fiscal year ended December 31, and furnish reports on Form 6-K relating to certain material events promptly after we publicly announces these events. However, because of the exemptions for foreign private issuers, which we intend to rely on, our shareholders will not be afforded the same information generally available to investors holding shares in public companies that are not foreign private issuers.
In the future, we could lose our foreign private issuer status if a majority of our Shares are held by residents in the United States and we fail to meet any one of the additional “business contacts” requirements. Although we intend to follow certain practices that are consistent with U.S. regulatory provisions applicable to U.S. companies, our loss of foreign private issuer status would make compliance with these provisions mandatory. The regulatory and compliance costs to us if we are deemed to be a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher than if we retain our foreign private issuer status. If AMPSA is not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and prospectuses on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, we would become subject to Regulation FD, aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information. Additionally, we would be required to change our basis of accounting from IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Boards (“IASB”) to U.S. GAAP, which may be difficult and costly for it to comply with. If we lose our foreign private issuer status and fail to comply with U.S. securities laws applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, we may have to de-list from NYSE and could be subject to investigation by the SEC, NYSE and other regulators, among other potentially materially adverse consequences.
We are organized under the laws of Luxembourg and a substantial amount of our assets are not located in the United States. It may be difficult for you to obtain or enforce judgments or bring actions against us or our directors and officers in the United States.
We are organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In addition, a substantial amount of our assets are located outside the United States. Furthermore, many of our directors and officers reside outside the United States and will continue to reside outside the United States. As a result, although we have appointed an agent for service of process in the United States, investors may not be able to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons or enforce judgments obtained against us or these persons in U.S. courts, including judgments in actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Likewise, it also may be difficult for an investor to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against us or these persons in courts located in jurisdictions outside the United States, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. Awards of punitive damages in actions brought in the United States or elsewhere are generally not enforceable in Luxembourg.
Any judgments obtained in any U.S. federal or state court against us may have to be enforced in the courts of Luxembourg or other EU member states. As there is no treaty in force on the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters between the United States and Luxembourg, courts in Luxembourg will not automatically recognize and enforce a final judgment rendered by a U.S. court. A valid judgment obtained from a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States may be entered and enforced through a court of competent jurisdiction in Luxembourg, subject to compliance with the enforcement procedures (exequatur). The enforceability in Luxembourg courts of judgments rendered by U.S. courts will be subject, prior to any enforcement in Luxembourg, to the procedure and the conditions set forth in the Luxembourg procedural code, which conditions may include the following (which may change):
● | the judgment of the U.S. court is final and enforceable (exécutoire) in the United States and has not been enforced in the United States; |
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● | the U.S. court had jurisdiction over the subject matter leading to the judgment (that is, its jurisdiction was in compliance both with Luxembourg private international law and local law rules and with the applicable domestic U.S. federal or state jurisdictional rules); |
● | the judgment was granted following proceedings where the counterparty had the opportunity to appear, and if it appeared, to present a defense and other conditions for a fair trial have been complied with taking into account all facts and circumstances whether occurring before, during or after trial or issue and delivery of the judgment, and the judgment has not been obtained by reason of fraud; |
● | the U.S. court applied the substantive laws as designated by the Luxembourg conflict of law rules; |
● | the U.S. judgment does not contravene international public policy (ordre public) or order, both substantive and procedural, as understood under the laws of Luxembourg or has been given in proceedings of a criminal nature; and |
● | the absence of contradiction between such judgment and an already issued judgment of a Luxembourg court. |
In addition, actions brought in a Luxembourg court against us, the members of our board of directors or our officers to enforce liabilities based on U.S. federal securities laws may be subject to certain restrictions. In particular, Luxembourg courts generally do not award punitive damages. Litigation in Luxembourg also is subject to rules of procedure that differ from the U.S. rules, including, with respect to the taking and admissibility of evidence, the conduct of the proceedings and the allocation of costs. Proceedings in Luxembourg would have to be conducted in the French or German language, and all documents submitted to the court would, in principle, have to be translated into French or German. For these reasons, it may be difficult for a U.S. investor to bring an action in a Luxembourg court predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us, the members of our board of directors or our officers. In addition, even if a judgment against us, the members of our board of directors or our officers based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws is obtained, a U.S. investor may not be able to enforce it in U.S. or Luxembourg courts.
Our directors and officers have entered into indemnification agreements with us. Under such agreements, the directors and officers are entitled to indemnification from us to the fullest extent permitted by Luxemburg law against liability and expenses reasonably incurred or paid by them in connection with claims, actions, suits or proceedings in which they become involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of performing or having performed as a director or officer, and against amounts paid or incurred by them in the settlement of such claims, actions, suits or proceedings. Luxembourg Law and our Articles permit us to keep directors indemnified against any expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in connection with liability of a director towards us or a third party for management errors, i.e., for wrongful acts committed during the execution of the mandate (mandat) granted to the director by us, except in connection with criminal offenses, gross negligence, fraud or dishonesty. The rights to and obligations of indemnification among or between us and any of our current or former directors and officers are generally governed by the laws of Luxembourg and subject to the jurisdiction of the Luxembourg courts, unless such rights or obligations do not relate to or arise out of such persons’ capacities listed above. Although there is doubt as to whether U.S. courts would enforce this indemnification provision in an action brought in the United States under U.S. federal or state securities laws, this provision could make it more difficult to obtain judgments outside Luxembourg or from non-Luxembourg jurisdictions that would apply Luxembourg Law against our assets in Luxembourg.
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Luxembourg and European insolvency and bankruptcy laws are substantially different from U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws and may offer our shareholders less protection than they would have under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws.
As a company organized under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and with its registered office in Luxembourg, we are subject to Luxembourg insolvency and bankruptcy laws in the event any insolvency proceedings are initiated against it including, among other things, Council and European Parliament Regulation (EU) 2015/848 of 20 May 2015 on insolvency proceedings (recast). Should courts in another European country determine that the insolvency and bankruptcy laws of that country apply to the Company in accordance with and subject to such European Union regulations, the courts in that country could have jurisdiction over the insolvency proceedings initiated against us. Insolvency and bankruptcy laws in Luxembourg or the relevant other European country, if any, may offer our shareholders less protection than they would have under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws and make it more difficult for them to recover the amount they could expect to recover in a liquidation under U.S. insolvency and bankruptcy laws.
The rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights they would have as shareholders of a U.S. corporation and consequently our shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles and Luxembourg Law, including the Luxembourg Law of 10 August 1915, on commercial companies, as amended. The rights of our shareholders and the responsibilities of our directors and officers under Luxembourg Law are different from those applicable to a corporation incorporated in the United States.
In the performance of its duties, the board of directors is required to act as a collegiate body in the interest of the Company. It is possible that the Company may have interests that are different from interests of the shareholders. If any member of our board of directors has a direct or indirect financial interest in a matter which has to be considered by the board of directors which conflicts with the interests of the Company, Luxembourg Law provides that such director will not be entitled to participate in deliberations on and exercise his vote with respect to the approval of such transaction. If the interest of such a member of the board of directors does not conflict with the interests of the Company, then the applicable director with such interest may participate in deliberations on, and vote on the approval of, that transaction.
Further, under Luxembourg Law, there may be less publicly available information about the Company than is regularly published by or about U.S. issuers. In addition, Luxembourg Law governing the securities of Luxembourg companies may not be as extensive as those in effect in the United States, and Luxembourg Law and regulations in respect of corporate governance matters might not be as protective of minority shareholders as state corporation laws in the United States. Therefore, our shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in connection with actions taken by its directors and officers or its principal shareholders than they would as shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States.
Neither our Articles nor Luxembourg Law provides for appraisal rights for dissenting shareholders in certain extraordinary corporate transactions that may otherwise be available to shareholders under certain U.S. state laws. As a result of these differences, our shareholders may have more difficulty protecting their interests than they would as shareholders of a U.S. issuer.
All of our shareholder meetings will take place in Luxembourg. Generally, shareholders may vote by proxy or in person at any general meeting, however, in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and in accordance with the Luxembourg Law of September 23, 2020, as amended, which allows for meetings of shareholders to be held without requiring their physical presence and which provides for the exercise of the shareholders’ rights through their representation by a proxy holder, the 2022 annual general meeting will be conducted without shareholders’ physical presence and so shareholders may vote only by proxy.
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Our Articles include compulsory share transfer provisions that may not provide our minority shareholders with the same benefits as they would have in a merger of a Delaware corporation.
We have included in our Articles provisions that give the holder of 75% of the number of our outstanding Shares (which would include AGSA for so long as it holds the requisite number of our Shares) the right to acquire our outstanding Shares held by all other holders at such time for a purchase price payable in cash that is equal to the fair market value of such Shares, as determined by an independent investment banking firm of international reputation in accordance with the procedures contained in our Articles. These procedures include a dispute resolution provision permitting holders of at least 10% of the Shares held by our minority shareholders at that time to dispute the purchase price proposed by the acquiring shareholder. It is uncertain whether our minority shareholders will be able to coordinate with each other in a manner that will enable them to take full advantage of these provisions. There can be no assurance that these provisions would result in a price as favorable to our minority shareholders as they would receive in a transaction subject to Delaware law and appraisal rights.
Anti-takeover provisions in our Articles might discourage or delay attempts to acquire it.
Our Articles contain provisions that may make acquisition of the Company more difficult, including the following:
•Classified Board. Our board of directors is classified into three classes of directors that are, as nearly as possible, of equal size. Each class of directors will be elected for a three-year term of office, but the terms are staggered so that the term of only one class of directors expires at each annual general meeting. The existence of a classified board could impede a proxy contest or delay a successful tender offeror from obtaining majority control of the board of directors, and the prospect of that delay might deter a potential offeror.
•Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals. Luxembourg Law and our Articles provide that one or more shareholders together holding at least 10% of the Company’s share capital may request the addition of one or more items to the agenda of any general meeting. The request must be sent to the registered office by registered mail, at least five clear days before the meeting is held. Our Articles also specify certain requirements regarding the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These requirements may make it difficult for our shareholders to bring matters before a general meeting
•Special Resolutions. Our Articles require special resolutions adopted at an extraordinary general meeting for any of the following matters, among other things: (a) an increase or decrease of the authorized or issued capital, (b) an amendment to the Articles and (c) dissolving the Company. Pursuant to our Articles, for any special resolutions to be considered at a general meeting the quorum is in excess of one-half (1∕2) of the share capital in issue present in person or by proxy unless otherwise mandatorily required by Luxembourg Law. If such quorum is not met at a first extraordinary general meeting, a second meeting may be convened, and such second meeting shall validly deliberate regardless of the proportion of the capital represented. Any special resolution may be adopted at a general meeting at which a quorum is present (except as otherwise provided by mandatory law) by the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds (2∕3) of the votes validly cast on such resolution by shareholders entitled to vote.
These anti-takeover provisions could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of the Company, even if such transaction would benefit its shareholders.
We qualify for and rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.
We are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE by virtue of being a “foreign private issuer” and a “controlled company.” Although our foreign private issuer status exempts us from most of the NYSE’s corporate governance requirements, we intend to voluntarily comply with these requirements, except those from which we would be exempt by virtue of being a “controlled company.” Ardagh Group controls, directly or indirectly, a majority of
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the voting power of our issued and outstanding Shares and we are therefore a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards, entitled to certain limited corporate governance exemptions. Under these NYSE standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
● | a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors; |
● | the nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; |
● | the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and |
● | there be an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and governance and compensation committees. |
As a controlled company, we utilize certain of these exemptions, including that although we have adopted charters for our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees, our compensation and nominating and governance committees are not composed entirely of independent directors.
As a result of the foregoing exemptions, we can cease voluntary compliance at any time, and our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a listed company on NYSE, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules adopted, and to be adopted, by the SEC and NYSE. The requirements of these rules and regulations will make some activities more difficult, time consuming and costly.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things that, as a listed company, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer certify the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting. We continue to develop and refine our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting. However, we have not yet assessed our internal control over financial reporting for the purposes of complying with item 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will only be required to do so beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could adversely affect the results of management evaluations and independent registered public accounting firm audits of our internal control over financial reporting. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures or ineffective internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information.
Holders generally will be subject to a 15% withholding tax on payment of dividends made on the Shares under current Luxembourg tax law.
Under current Luxembourg tax law, payments of dividends made on the Shares generally are subject to a 15% Luxembourg withholding tax. Certain exemptions or reductions in the withholding tax may apply, but it will be up to the
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holders to claim any available refunds from the Luxembourg tax authority. For more information on the taxation implications, see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation.”
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Item 4. Information on the Company
A. | History and development of the company |
Ardagh Group traces its origins back to 1932 in Dublin, Ireland, when the Irish Glass Bottle Company was founded and listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. Ardagh Group operated a single glass plant in Dublin, largely serving the domestic beverage and food customer base until 1998, when Yeoman International, led by the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and major shareholder, Paul Coulson, took an initial stake in Ardagh Group, becoming Chairman later that year.
Since 1999, Ardagh Group has played a major role in the consolidation of the global metal and glass packaging industries, completing 23 acquisitions and significantly increasing our scope, scale, and geographic presence.
AMPSA was incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on January 20, 2021 as a public limited liability company (société anonyme) having its registered office at 56, rue Charles Martel, L-2134 Luxembourg, Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés de Luxembourg) under number B 251465. AMPSA currently operates 24 production facilities globally, located in Europe (12), North America (9) and Brazil (3). These comprise 19 facilities producing beverage cans and four facilities producing can ends. The history and development of AMPSA’s production facility footprint has been as follows:
● | In June 2016, Ardagh Group acquired the assets required to be divested by Ball Corporation and Rexam PLC to gain approval for the acquisition of Rexam PLC by Ball Corporation. The divested assets comprised 22 production facilities, located in Europe (12), North America (8) and Brazil (2). |
● | The twelve production facilities acquired by Ardagh Group in Europe comprised ten former Ball Corporation plants, as well as two former Rexam PLC production facilities. Ball Corporation had established and grown its presence in Europe, principally through the acquisition of Schmalbach-Lubeca in 2008, at the time the second largest manufacturer of beverage cans in Europe. Rexam PLC had established and grown its beverage can business in Europe through the acquisitions of PLM, AB, Swedish-listed beverage can and glass bottle manufacturer, acquired in 1999, and American National Can Corporation, acquired in 2000, as well as organic investments in new capacity. The eight production facilities acquired in North America represented part of the former Rexam PLC business. Finally, the two production facilities in Brazil were formerly owned by Latapack-Ball, a joint venture in which Ball Corporation had held an approximately 60% stake. In December 2015, Ball Corporation acquired full ownership of this joint venture, prior to divesting these two production facilities. |
● | In 2018, the construction of a greenfield production facility in Manaus, Brazil was completed, which supplies can ends to our can production facilities in Jacarei, Brazil and Alagoinhas, Brazil. |
● | In October 2020, Ardagh Group announced a $1.5 billion growth investment program to grow the metal packaging business. In February 2021, the Group announced its decision to undertake additional investments increasing the total amount of the growth investment program to $1.8 billion, to grow the metal packaging business in the period from 2021 to 2024. In response to the positive forecast demand outlook for our metal packaging, we have a significant growth investment program planned in the period 2022 to 2025. |
● | In December 2020, the Group acquired a large brownfield and building site in Huron, Ohio, which is being converted into a new beverage can and ends plant, with ends production having commenced in November 2021. |
● | In February 2021, the combination with GHV was announced, whereby AMPSA would be separately listed on the NYSE. This combination with GHV was completed in August 2021, and AMPSA began trading on the NYSE |
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under the ticker “AMBP”. At December 31, 2021, AGSA retains a stake of approximately 75% in AMPSA and intends to remain a long-term majority shareholder. |
● | In October 2021, the Group set out plans for a new can facility in the U.S. South-West. This multi-line plant will be based in Arizona and will add an initial 3.5 billion of additional capacity to support customers’ growth. |
● | In November 2021, the Group announced the acquisition of Quebec-based Hart Print, a North America based innovator in digital printing services to the beverage market. |
● | In November 2021, the Group announced that it plans to build a new state-of-the-art $200 million beverage can plant in Northern Ireland. The plant will be located near Belfast and will service the growing needs of AMP’s beverage customers in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe. |
The SEC maintains an internet site at www.sec.gov that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding registrants like us that file electronically with the SEC.
The Company routinely posts important information on the Company website https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/corporate/investors. This website and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this annual report.
The Company’s agent for service in the United States is: Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc., 8770 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631 (Telephone: +1 (773) 399-3000).
B. | Business Overview |
We are one of the leading suppliers of consumer metal beverage cans in the world and believe that we hold the #2 or #3 market positions in Europe, the United States and Brazil. The global beverage can industry is a large, consumer-driven industry with attractive growth characteristics. Our end-use categories include beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, pre-mixed cocktails, teas, sparkling waters and wine. Our customers include a wide variety of leading beverage products, which value our packaging products for their convenience and quality, as well as the end-user appeal they offer through design, innovation and brand promotion. With our significant invested capital base, supported by consistent levels of re-investment, our extensive technical capabilities and manufacturing know-how, we believe we are well-positioned to continue to meet the dynamic needs of our global customers.
Within the $117 billion global metal packaging industry, the metal can packaging market is comprised of beverage cans (50%), food cans (28%), aerosol cans (5%) and other cans (17%), according to an October 2020 report from Smithers Pira, a leading independent market research firm with extensive specialized experience in the packaging, paper and print industries. We compete in the beverage can sector of the consumer and metal packaging industry. We estimate the beverage can sector revenues to be approximately $33 billion based on sales as of 2019 with more than 360 billion beverage cans produced globally. Because the consumer metal packaging industry primarily supplies packaging for food, drinks and other basic needs, it is considered to be a relatively stable market sector that is less sensitive to economic cycles than many other industries.
We serve over 200 customers across more than 40 countries, comprised of multi-national companies and large national and regional companies. In our target regions of Europe, North America and Brazil, our customers include a wide variety of companies owning some of the best-known brands in the world. We have a stable customer base with long-standing relationships and approximately three quarters of our sales are generated under multi-year contracts, with the remainder largely subject to annual arrangements. A significant portion of our sales volumes are supplied under contracts which include input cost pass-through provisions, which help us deliver generally consistent margins.
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We operate 24 production facilities in 9 countries and employ approximately 5,800 personnel. Our plants are generally located to serve our customers’ filling locations. Certain facilities may also be dedicated to specific end-use categories, enhancing product-specific expertise and generating benefits of scale and production efficiency. Significant capital has been invested in our extensive network of long-lived production facilities, which, together with our skilled workforce and related manufacturing process know-how, supports our competitive positions.
We are committed to market-leading innovation and product development and maintain dedicated innovation, development and engineering centers in the United States and Europe to support these efforts. These facilities focus on three main areas: (i) innovations that provide enhanced product design, differentiation and user friendliness for our customers and end-use consumers; (ii) innovations that reduce input costs to generate cost savings for both our customers and us (downgauging); and (iii) developments to meet evolving product safety standards and regulations.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core pillar of our business, recognizing that long-term economic viability is dependent upon having a sustainable business model.
We have continued to expand our governance of climate risk and integrate climate considerations into the priorities of our board of directors and senior management. Going forward, we intend to measure, manage and reduce the climate risk on our business in line with Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) guidelines. The TCFD provides a framework to consider and disclose our processes for managing the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. In 2022, we will consider the recommendations within the framework and enhance our associated opportunities in order to optimize our risk mitigation strategy. We also monitor regulatory developments on climate risk and sustainable finance.
Our sustainability focus is centered on minimizing the impact of our operations and products on the environment, promoting a healthy, safe and inclusive workplace for our employees and contributing positively to the communities in which we operate. We have established a Board Sustainability Committee to oversee our sustainability initiatives, supported by our Group sustainability function.
In pursuance of our environmental objectives, we seek to promote recycling of our products, enhance our product design and target continuous improvement in our processes. Metal is infinitely recyclable, without any degradation in quality, differentiating them from many other packaging substrates. We expect these attributes to continue to enhance our products’ appeal, as consumer awareness of sustainability and the environment grows.
Recycling rates for aluminum beverage cans are relatively high in the geographies in which we operate, estimated at 56% in the United States, 76% in Europe and 97% in Brazil as of 2019-2020. The use of recycled aluminum reduces energy consumption by over 90% compared with the alternative of producing aluminum cans from its virgin source.
We continuously aim to reduce the material and resource usage in the manufacture of our products, through lightweighting of our metal beverage cans. In addition, we have established specialist groups across our business and promote best practice sharing, in order to drive continuous improvement in our processes.
We have committed to adopt Science-Based Sustainability Targets through the Science-Based Targets initiative, whereby we will set specific goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the Paris Agreement 2015, under which governments mutually pledged to limit the increase in global temperatures to 1.5°C.
We have established targets for reductions in energy consumption, emissions, water usage, waste and other metrics and report on progress towards their achievement in our Sustainability Reports (available at www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com) on progress towards their achievement. In 2020, we revised our sustainability strategy
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and set new targets, in line with the 1.5°C pathway for Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions, and 2°C pathway for Scope 3 Emissions to reduce our carbon emissions by 2030. We intend to achieve these targets through a wide range of initiatives, including (i) greater usage of renewable energy, including the installation of solar projects in multiple production facilities (ii) promoting the use of recycled content (iii) pursuing energy-efficiency projects across our plant network (iv) procuring electricity from renewable sources (v) sourcing sustainable inputs from our supplier base and (vi) minimizing VOC emissions.
In September 2015, member states of the United Nations developed a plan for the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. Underpinning this plan are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”). As a signatory to United Nations Global Compact, our strategy is linked to specific SDGs including Affordable and Clean Energy (#7), Responsible Consumption and Production (#12), Climate Action (#13), Partnerships for the Goals (#17), Good Health and Wellbeing (#3), Quality Education (#4) and Gender Equality (#5).
We have once again been awarded Leadership Class ratings by CDP (formally the Carbon Disclosure Project), receiving an “A-” in respect of climate change and “A-” in respect of water management in 2021.
We aim to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all of our employees by embedding a culture of safety awareness. Broad principles are supported by detailed policies and procedures to minimize accidents and injuries through continuous training and education. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are establishing diversity and inclusion councils across our business units.
We are a significant local employer and seek to play a positive role in our communities, including promoting educational linkages with the community, through internships and apprenticeships. We have committed to invest approximately $50 million over the next 10 years in our local communities in the U.S., Brazil and Europe in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education initiatives for under-privileged children. Each plant also runs a community involvement program to raise environmental awareness, encourage recycling, and promote and support initiatives to help local charities and good causes.
Development
Our leading global positions have been established through organic expansion and strategic growth initiatives, we have also expanded our footprint through strategic investments in new capacity to support our customers’ growth, including most recently a new beverage can ends facility in Manaus, Brazil, completed in 2018 and in December 2020 we acquired a large brownfield building and site in Huron, Ohio, which is being converted into a new beverage can and ends plant, with ends production having commenced in November 2021. These initiatives, as well as other acquisitions and investments over many years, in existing and adjacent end-use categories, have increased our scale and diversification and provided opportunities to grow our business with both existing and new customers.
In February 2021, we set out a significant growth investment program comprising multiple projects in Metal Beverage Packaging to support our customers’ growth and to enhance our productivity. In response to the positive forecast demand outlook for our metal packaging we have a significant growth investment program planned in the period 2022 to 2025.
Our loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $210 million. Adjusted EBITDA and net cash from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021, were $662 million and $458 million, respectively.
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The following chart illustrates the breakdown of our revenue by destination for the year ended December 31, 2021:
Total revenue of our two operating and reportable segments, Europe and Americas, for the year ended December 31, 2021 is $1,838 million and $2,217 million, respectively (2020: $1,599 million and $1,852 million, respectively; 2019: $1,556 million and $1,788 million, respectively).
Our Industry
The global packaging industry is a large, consumer-driven industry with stable growth characteristics. We operate in the metal beverage can sector and our target regions are Europe, North America and Brazil. Metal beverage cans are attractive to brand owners, as their strength and rigidity allows them to be filled at high speeds and easily transported, resulting in further efficiencies through the supply chain. The ability to customize and differentiate products supplied in metal beverage cans, through innovative design, shaping and printing, also appeals to our customers. The metal market has been marked by progressive lightweighting, which has generated material savings in input costs and logistics, while enhancing the consumer experience. This reduction in raw material and energy usage in the manufacturing process has also increased the appeal to end-users, who are increasingly focused on sustainability.
Our Competitive Strengths
● | Leader in Metal Beverage Packaging. We believe we are one of the leading suppliers of metal beverage can packaging solutions, capable of supplying multi-national, national and regional beverage producers in our target markets. We believe that we are the #2 supplier of metal beverage cans by value in Europe. In addition, we believe that we are the #3 supplier of metal beverage cans by value in the United States and Brazil. We believe the combination of our extensive footprint, proximity to customers, efficient manufacturing and high level of customer service underpins our leading positions. |
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● | Long-term relationships with diverse blue-chip customer base. We supply some of the world’s best-known beverage brands with sustainable, innovative packaging solutions and have been recognized with numerous industry awards. We have longstanding relationships with many of our major customers, which include leading multinational, national and regional beverage companies. Some of our major customers include AB InBev, Britvic, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Heineken, Mark Anthony Brands, Monster Beverage, National Beverage Company, PepsiCo and Grupo Petrópolis, among others. In recent years, in North America, in particular, we have significantly diversified our customer base by growing our business with customers in faster-growing end-use categories, including ready-to-drink (“RTD”) cocktails, sparkling waters, energy drinks and other beverages, as well as by adding new customers. |
● | Focus on stable economies and generally growing product demand. We derive over 89% of our revenues from Europe and North America, which are mature economies characterized by generally predictable consumer spending and relatively low cyclicality, with the balance largely derived from the Brazilian beverage market. Our revenues are entirely generated from beverage end-use categories, including beer, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, hard seltzers, juices, sparkling waters, teas and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, demand for which is generally less impacted by economic cycles. In Europe, North America and Brazil, demand for metal beverage cans has accelerated in recent years, principally driven by new beverage product innovations, increased awareness by consumers of sustainability and, notably in Brazil, structural pack mix shifts by our customers. For our customers, beverage cans are more efficient to fill and easier to transport and store than other substrates. These advantages, together with beverage cans’ high level of recyclability, combine to provide our customers the lowest total cost of ownership. |
● | Highly contracted revenue base. Over 80% of our revenue is backed by multi-year supply agreements ranging from two to seven years in duration, with the remainder largely pursuant to annual arrangements. A significant proportion of our sales volumes are supplied under contracts which include mechanisms that help to protect us from earnings volatility related to input costs, including aluminum and energy. Specifically, such arrangements include (i) multi-year contracts that include input cost pass-through and/or margin maintenance provisions and (ii) one-year contracts that allow us to negotiate pricing levels for our products on an annual basis at the same time that we determine our input costs for the relevant year. |
● | Well-invested asset base with significant scale and operational excellence. We operate 24 strategically-located production facilities in 9 countries, enabling us to efficiently serve our customers with high quality and innovative products and services across multiple geographies. We pursue continuous improvement in our facilities and promote a culture of consistently pursuing excellence through standardizing and sharing best practices across our network of plants. We believe the total value proposition we offer our customers, in the form of geographic reach, customer service, product quality, reliability, design and innovation will enable us to continue to drive growth and profitability. |
● | Significant and growing specialty can capacity. We have a significant presence in the specialty can segment, which our industry defines as all cans other than 12-ounce 211 diameter cans in the Americas, and all cans other than 330ml and 500ml 211 diameter cans in Europe. Specialty cans include slim cans, sleek cans and cans of a standard diameter but special height. The specialty can segment has grown at a faster rate than the standard can segment in recent years and typically offers more attractive margins. In 2021, specialty cans represented 45% of our total can shipments, with strong representation in both the Europe and Americas segments. Specialty can expansion represents over 70% of the capacity expansion under the Group’s growth investment program, following which we expect specialty cans will represent approximately 55% to 60% of our total capacity. |
● | Attractive presence in faster-growing end-use categories. Different beverage categories are experiencing different rates of growth in the markets we serve. We have targeted growth in faster growing end-use categories of the beverage markets we serve, including RTD cocktails, hard seltzers and sparkling waters in North America |
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and beer in Europe and in Brazil, while reducing our exposure to other end-use categories. We believe the mix of end-use categories we serve positions us well to continue to grow our business over the medium term. |
● | Infinitely recyclable products respond to growing sustainability awareness. Metal beverage cans are infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. We estimate recycling rates to be at 76% in Europe, 56% in the United States and 97% in Brazil in 2019-2020. We believe that an increasing awareness of the benefits of sustainable packaging in many of our markets will favor pack mix shifts to metal beverage cans in the future. We also believe that legislative and other measures designed to increase recycling rates will favor our substrates in the future. |
● | Technical leadership and innovation. We have advanced technical and manufacturing capabilities in metal beverage packaging, including research and development and engineering centers in the United States and Europe, principally based in Elk Grove, Illinois, and Bonn, Germany. Our capabilities have enabled us to develop product and process innovations to meet the dynamic needs of our customers. We have significant expertise in the production of value-added metal beverage cans, principally aluminum, with features such as high-quality graphic designs, colored tabs and tactile finishes. We produce metal beverage cans in a range of sizes and have been a leader in the introduction of lighter aluminum cans. |
● | Proven track record of generating attractive returns through organic expansion, strategic investment and continuous improvement. Ardagh Group has grown its business since acquisition in 2016, through a combination of organic expansion, strategic investment and continuous improvement. Ardagh Group has increased its exposure to faster growing categories of the beverage market, as well as diversifying its customer base, notably in North America, thereby improving its mix. Ardagh Group has also made strategic investments, including the construction of its ends plant in Manaus, Brazil, in 2018 which allowed it to become self-sufficient for ends supply in that market, as well as converting its Rugby, UK, facility from steel to aluminum beverage cans. In addition, Ardagh Group has focused on continuous improvement across its businesses to optimize costs and drive efficiencies. We expect our principal focus to be on growth through organic expansion and strategic development and investment with new and existing customers, including through the announced growth investment program. We believe that we can maintain and grow attractive margins through business mix optimization, growth with new and existing customers, efficiency gains, cost reduction, working capital optimization and disciplined capital allocation. |
● | Experienced management team with a proven track record and high degree of shareholder alignment. Members of our management team with extensive experience in the metal beverage packaging industry have demonstrated their ability to manage costs, adapt to changing market conditions, undertake strategic investments and acquire and integrate new businesses, thereby driving significant value creation. Our Chairman has a high degree of indirect ownership in our Company, as he controls the ultimate parent company of AMPSA. We believe this ownership promotes efficient capital allocation decisions and results in strong shareholder alignment and commitment to further shareholder value creation. |
Our Business Strategy
Our principal objective remains to increase shareholder value by achieving growth in Adjusted EBITDA and cash generation. We aim to achieve this objective through organically growing our business, but will also continue to evaluate other acquisitions and strategic opportunities to enhance shareholder value. We pursue these objectives through the following strategies:
● | Grow Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow. We seek to leverage our extensive footprint, proximity to customers, efficient manufacturing and high level of customer service to grow revenue with new and existing customers, improve our productivity, and reduce our costs. To increase Adjusted EBITDA, we will continue to take actions with respect to our assets and invest in growth opportunities, in line with our stringent investment criteria. To |
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increase cash generation, we actively manage our working capital and capital expenditures. We have significantly expanded the previously announced growth investment program to cover the period 2022 to 2025, the implementation of which is expected to grow our revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow generation. |
● | Continue to enhance product mix and profitability. We have enhanced our product mix over the years by replacing lower margin business with higher margin business and by pursuing growth opportunities in new and emerging end-use categories of the beverage market. We will continue to develop long-term partnerships with existing and new customers, including new and emerging growth customers, and selectively pursue such opportunities that will grow our business and improve our overall profitability. We are investing in significantly growing our specialty can mix and our investments will be supported by long-term customer contracts and commitments. |
● | Emphasize operational excellence and optimize manufacturing base. In managing our businesses, we seek to improve our efficiency, control our costs and preserve and expand our margins. We aim to consistently reduce total costs through implementing operational efficiencies, promoting continuous improvement and investing to enhance our production capacity. We will continue to take actions to enhance efficiency through continuous improvement, best practice sharing and investment, enabling us to serve our existing and new customers’ exacting requirements for sustainable packaging. |
● | Enhance our environmental and social sustainability impact. We will continue to improve the sustainability profile of our business. In 2020, we revised our sustainability strategy and set new targets, in line with the 1.5°C pathway for Scope 1 and 2 Emissions, and 2°C pathway for Scope 3 Emissions to reduce our carbon emissions by 2030, in addition to committing to adoption of Science-Based Sustainability Targets through the Science Based Targets initiative. We seek to ensure that we meet the evolving requirements of end consumers and our customers, while creating a safe and inclusive environment for our employees, contributing positively to the communities in which we operate, improving our efficiency, controlling our costs and preserving and expanding our margins while at the same time growing our revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow generation. |
● | Evaluate and pursue strategic opportunities. We are a leading player in the beverage can sector in Europe, North America and Brazil, all of which are markets where beverage can demand is projected to grow. Our principal near and medium-term focus is to organically grow our business through the implementation of the growth investment program from 2022 – 2025 to support our customers’ growth in each region. We may also evaluate and pursue other strategic opportunities, to grow with existing or new customers, including in new markets that offer attractive risk-adjusted returns, in line with our stringent investment criteria and focus on enhancing shareholder value. |
Manufacturing and Production
As of December 31, 2021, we operated 24 production facilities in 9 countries and had approximately 5,800 employees. Our plants are currently located in 7 European countries, as well as in Brazil and the United States.
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The following table summarizes Metal Beverage Packaging’s principal production facilities as of December 31, 2021.
| Number of | |
Production | ||
Location |
| Facilities |
United States (1) |
| 9 |
Germany |
| 4 |
Brazil |
| 3 |
United Kingdom |
| 3 |
Other European countries(2) |
| 5 |
| 24 |
(1) | In December 2020, we acquired a facility in Huron, Ohio, which is being converted into a new beverage can and ends plant, with ends production having commenced in November 2021. |
(2) | One facility in each of Austria, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. |
Industry Overview
We operate in the beverage can segment of the consumer metal packaging industry.
The beverage can sector is growing in each of Europe, North America and Brazil. In each of these markets demand for metal beverage cans has accelerated in recent years, principally driven by new beverage product innovations, increased awareness by consumers of sustainability and, notably in Brazil pack mix shifts. In addition, the convenience of filling, transporting and stocking beverage cans, compared with alternative substrates are believed to be contributing to this growth. Growth in unit volumes of specialty beverage cans has exceeded growth in standard beverage cans, thereby increasing specialty can penetration, a trend that is expected to continue.
We believe the purchasing decisions of retail consumers are significantly influenced by packaging. Consumer product manufacturers and marketers are increasingly using packaging to position their products in the market and differentiate them from alternative products. A growing awareness of sustainability issues among consumers, as well as potential regulatory or legislative changes in this area, are also expected to influence future packaging decisions by consumer product manufacturers. The development and production of premium, differentiated packaging products with additional value-added features require a higher level of design capabilities, manufacturing and process know-how and quality control than for more standardized products.
Customers
We operate production facilities in Europe, the United States and Brazil, and we sell metal beverage cans to multinational, regional and national customers in these regions. We supply leading manufacturers in each of the markets we serve, including AB InBev, Britvic, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Heineken, Mark Anthony Brands, Monster Beverage, National Beverage Company, PepsiCo and Grupo Petrópolis, among others.
Our top ten customers represented approximately 58% of our revenue in 2021. We estimate that over 80% of our revenue is backed by multi-year supply agreements, ranging from two to seven years in duration. These contracts generally provide for the pass-through of metal price fluctuations and, in most cases, most of variable cost movements, while others have tolling arrangements whereby customers arrange for the procurement of metal themselves. In addition, within multi-year relationships, both parties can work together to streamline the product, service and supply process, leading to significant cost reductions and improvements in product and service, with benefits arising to both parties. Wherever possible, we seek to enter into multi-year supply agreements with our customers. In other cases, sales are made under commercial supply agreements, typically of one-year’s duration, with prices based on expected purchase volumes.
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Competitors
Our principal competitors in metal beverage packaging include Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, and Can Pack.
Raw Materials and Suppliers
The principal raw materials used in our business are aluminum, steel, coatings and lining compounds. Over 95% of our metal raw material spend in 2021 related to aluminum. Our major aluminum suppliers include Constellium, Speira, Novelis and Tri-Arrows.
We continuously seek to minimize the price of raw materials and reduce exposure to price movements in a number of ways, including the following:
● | harnessing the scale of our global metal purchasing requirements, to achieve better raw materials pricing; |
● | entering into variable-priced pass-through contracts with customers, whereby selling prices are indexed to the price of the underlying raw materials; |
● | maintaining the focus on metal content reduction; |
● | continuing the process of reducing spoilage and waste in manufacturing; |
● | rationalizing the number of both specifications and suppliers; and |
● | hedging the price of aluminum ingot and the related euro/U.S. dollar exposure. |
Aluminum is typically purchased under three-year contracts, with prices that are fixed in advance. Despite an increase in the level of aluminum production being targeted to new end-use applications, including automotive and aerospace, we believe that adequate quantities of the relevant grades of packaging aluminum will continue to be available from various producers and that we are not overly dependent upon any single supplier. Some of our aluminum requirements are subject to tolling arrangements with our customers, whereby risk and responsibility for the procurement of aluminum is managed by the customer.
Distribution
We use various freight and haulage contractors to make deliveries to customer sites or warehousing facilities. In some cases, customers make their own delivery arrangements and therefore may purchase from us on an ex-works basis. Warehousing facilities are primarily situated at our manufacturing facilities; however, in some regions, networks of externally-rented warehouses at strategic third-party locations, close to major customers’ filling operations are used.
Innovation, Research and Development
The majority of our innovation, development and engineering activities are primarily concentrated at our regional technical center in Elk Grove, Illinois and at our research facility in Bonn, Germany. These centers focus on identifying and serving the existing and potential needs of customers, including the achievement of cost reductions, particularly metal content reduction, and meeting new and anticipated legislative requirements, as well as providing technology, engineering and support services to our product facilities and customers.
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We currently hold and maintain a number of patent families, filed in several jurisdictions and covering a range of different products.
Environmental, Health and Safety and Product Safety Regulation
Our operations and properties are regulated under a wide range of laws, ordinances and regulations and other legal requirements concerning the environment, health and safety and product safety in each jurisdiction in which we operate. We believe that our manufacturing facilities are in compliance, in all material respects, with these laws and regulations.
The principal environmental issues we face include the environmental impact of the disposal of water used in our production processes, generation and disposal of waste, the receiving, use and storage of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, the potential contamination and subsequent remediation of land, surface water and groundwater arising from our operations and the impact on air quality through gas and particle emissions, including the emission of greenhouse gases.
Our substantial operations in the EU are subject to, among additional requirements, the requirements of the IED which requires that operators of industrial installations, including can-making installations, take into account the whole environmental performance of the installation and obtain and maintain compliance with a permit, which sets emission limit values that are based on best available techniques.
Furthermore, the EU Directive on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage aims to make those who cause damage to the environment (specifically damage to habitats and species protected by EU law, damage to water resources and land contamination which presents a threat to human health) financially responsible for its remediation. It requires operators of industrial premises (including those which hold a permit governed by the IED) to take preventive measures to avoid environmental damage, inform the regulators when such damage has or may occur and to remediate contamination.
Our U.S. operations are also subject to stringent and complex U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including the discharge of materials into the environment, health and safety and product safety including, but not limited to: the U.S. federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, the U.S. federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”). These laws and regulations may, among other things (i) require obtaining permits to conduct industrial operations; (ii) restrict the types and quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released into the environment; (iii) result in the suspension or revocation of necessary permits, licenses and authorizations; (iv) require that additional pollution controls be installed and (v) require remedial measures to mitigate pollution from former and ongoing operations, including related natural resource damages. Specifically, certain U.S. environmental laws, such as CERCLA, or Superfund, and analogous state laws, provide for strict, and under certain circumstances, joint and several liability for the investigation and remediation of releases or the disposal of regulated materials into the environment including soil and groundwater, as well as for damages to natural resources.
In North America, sales of beverage cans are affected by governmental regulation of packaging, including deposit return laws. As of January 1, 2019, there were ten U.S. states with container deposit laws in effect, requiring consumer deposits of between 5 and 15 cents (USD), depending on the size of the container or product. In Canada, there are 10 provinces and three territories. Deposit laws cover some form of beverage container in all provinces and territories except the territory of Nunavut, which does not have a deposit program. The range for deposits are between 5 and 40 cents (Canadian Dollar), depending on size of container and type of beverage.
A wider roll out of packaging deposit return systems in Europe, such as that proposed in Scotland from July 2022, can lead to cost increases for collection and recycling of beverage cans and therefore potentially have impacts on the packaging material mix at retailers.
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Many beverages and containers, particularly new product innovations and unique alcohol beverage products, are not clearly defined in U.S. and Canadian deposit laws. The text of some U.S. and Canadian deposit laws expressly exempts certain beverages or containers from application of the deposit laws. In many states, certain common beverage categories are simply not found in the text of the deposit law. Local agencies provide final decisions on the application of deposit laws. Many states are defining their own beverage categories with local agencies providing final decisions on the application of deposit laws.
We are also committed to ensuring that safe operating practices are established, implemented and maintained throughout our organization. In addition, we have instituted active health and safety programs throughout our company. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business—We are subject to various environmental and other legal requirements and may be subject to new requirements of this kind in the future that could impose substantial costs upon us.”
Legal Proceedings
We are involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, such as employee claims, disputes with suppliers, environmental liability claims and intellectual property disputes. We believe that none of these proceedings, either individually or in aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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C. | Organizational structure |
The following table provides information relating to our principal operating subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, at December 31, 2021.
Country of | ||
Company |
| Incorporation |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Manufacturing Austria GmbH |
| Austria |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Austria GmbH |
| Austria |
Latas Indústria de Embalagens de Alumínio do Brasil Ltda. |
| Brazil |
Ardagh Indústria de Embalagens de Metálicas do Brasil Ltda. |
| Brazil |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading France SAS |
| France |
Ardagh Metal Beverage France SAS |
| France |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Germany GmbH |
| Germany |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Germany GmbH |
| Germany |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Netherlands B.V. |
| Netherlands |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Netherlands B.V. |
| Netherlands |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Poland Sp. z o.o |
| Poland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Poland Sp. z o.o |
| Poland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Spain SL |
| Spain |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Spain SL |
| Spain |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Europe GmbH |
| Switzerland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading UK Limited |
| United Kingdom |
Ardagh Metal Beverage UK Limited |
| United Kingdom |
Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc. |
| United States |
D. | Property, plant and equipment |
See “Item 4.—Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Manufacturing and Production.”
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not Applicable
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Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read together with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the audited consolidated financial statements of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. for the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this annual report. As used in this section, the “Group” refers to Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. and its subsidiaries.
Some of the measures used in this annual report are not measurements of financial performance under IFRS and should not be considered an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity or an alternative to operating profit/(loss) or profit/(loss) for the year, as indicators of our operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with IFRS.
Business Drivers
The main factors affecting our results of operations for the Group are: (i) global economic trends, end-consumer demand for our products and production capacity of our manufacturing facilities; (ii) prices of energy and raw materials used in our business, primarily aluminum, steel and coatings, and our ability to pass through these and other cost increases to our customers, through contractual pass through mechanisms under multi-year contracts, or through renegotiation in the case of short-term contracts; (iii) investment in operating cost reductions; (iv) acquisitions; and (v) foreign exchange rate fluctuations and currency translation risks arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the euro, U.S. dollar, British pound, Polish zloty and Brazilian real.
AMP generates its revenue from supplying metal can packaging to the beverage end-use category. Revenue is primarily dependent on sales volumes and sales prices.
Sales volumes are influenced by a number of factors, including factors driving customer demand, seasonality and the capacity of our metal beverage packaging plants. Demand for our metal beverage cans may be influenced by trends in the consumption of beverages, industry trends in packaging, including marketing decisions, and the impact of environmental regulations and shifts in consumer sentiment towards a greater awareness of sustainability. The demand for our beverage products is strongest during spells of warm weather and therefore demand typically, based on historical trends, peaks during the summer months, as well as in the period leading up to holidays in December. Accordingly, we generally build inventories in the first and fourth quarter in anticipation of the seasonal demands in our beverage business.
AMP’s Adjusted EBITDA is based on revenue derived from selling our metal beverage cans and is affected by a number of factors, primarily cost of sales. The elements of our cost of sales include (i) variable costs, such as electricity, raw materials (including the cost of aluminum), packaging materials, decoration and freight and other distribution costs, and (ii) fixed costs, such as labor and other plant-related costs including depreciation and maintenance. In addition, sales, marketing and administrative costs also impact Adjusted EBITDA. AMP’s variable costs have typically constituted approximately 75% and fixed costs approximately 25% of the total cost of sales for our business.
Cyber Security Incident
On May 17, 2021, the Group announced that it had experienced a cyber security incident, the response to which included pro-actively shutting down certain IT systems and applications used by the business. Key systems were brought back online securely, in a phased manner and in line with our plan. Production at all of our manufacturing facilities continued to operate throughout this period, though we experienced some shipping delays as a result of this incident.
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We believe that our existing information technology control environment is appropriately robust and consistent with industry standards. However, we are reviewing our information technology roadmap and accelerating planned IT investments to further improve the effectiveness of our information security. We do not believe that our growth investment program has been impacted by this incident. The Group notified relevant authorities in relation to the exfiltration and dissemination of data which arose in connection with this incident.
AMPSA entered into a letter agreement with AGSA, dated May 21, 2021, under which AGSA agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective successors from and against any and all losses that could be anticipated to arise prior to December 31, 2021, resulting from this cyber security incident (the “Indemnification Letter Agreement”). See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions–B. Related Party Transactions” in this annual report. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group incurred $31 million of losses and incremental costs related to this incident, including $26 million ($15 million in Europe and $11 million in Americas) of losses and incremental costs within adjusted EBITDA and $5 million of exceptional costs, all of which have been offset by income received and the associated indemnification receivable which was subsequently cash settled before December 31, 2021, under the aforementioned agreement with AGSA.
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Recent Acquisitions, Divestments and Developments
Combination of AMPSA with GHV
On February 22, 2021, AMPSA announced its entry into the Business Combination Agreement by and among AMPSA, AGSA, MergeCo and GHV, pursuant to which the Business Combination was consummated and, following the Merger of GHV with and into MergeCo, GHV became a directly wholly owned subsidiary of AMPSA, to create an independent, pure-play beverage can public company.
In connection with the transactions, on March 12, 2021, two affiliates of the Group (the “Co-Issuers”) issued green bonds of approximately $2.8 billion equivalent, consisting of €450 million 2.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, $600 million 3.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, €500 million 3.000% Senior Notes due 2029 and $1,050 million 4.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “AMP Notes Issuance”).
In connection with the AMP Notes Issuance, AGSA designated the Co-Issuers and subsidiaries of AMP as unrestricted subsidiaries under its bond indentures and the Global Asset Based Loan Facility.
In connection with the Business Combination, AGSA effected on April 1, 2021 a series of transactions that resulted in (a) the equity interests of Ardagh Packaging Holdings Limited, an Irish subsidiary of AGSA, and certain other subsidiaries of AGSA that are engaged in the business of developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling metal beverage cans and ends being directly or indirectly owned by AMPSA (all such entities collectively, the “AMP Entities”) and (b) any assets and liabilities relating to the business of AGSA (other than the AMP Business) that were held by the AMP Entities being transferred to subsidiaries of AGSA that are not AMP Entities, and assets and liabilities relating to the AMP Business that were held by subsidiaries of AGSA (other than the AMP Entities) being transferred to the AMP Entities (such transactions, collectively, the “AMP Transfer”).
On August 4, 2021, in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the parties consummated the Merger and, pursuant to the terms of Subscription Agreements dated February 22, 2021, among AMPSA, GHV and certain investors (the “Subscribers”) in a private placement, the Subscribers subscribed for and purchased 69,500,000 Shares at a purchase price of $10 per share, for an aggregate cash amount of $695 million, which included 9.5 million Shares acquired pursuant to the “back stop” provisions of the subscription agreement entered into by GHV Sponsor. In addition, at the closing of the Merger, all shares of GHV Class A common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (after giving effect to any requested stockholder redemptions) were contributed to AMPSA in exchange for newly issued Shares, and all warrants exercisable for the purchase of shares in GHV were converted into warrants exercisable for the purchase of Shares.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, AGSA (i) retained an approximate 81.85% interest in AMPSA, (ii) received aggregate cash consideration of $2,315,000,000, paid upon the consummation of the AMP Transfer in cash and in equivalent U.S. dollars or euros (or a combination thereof) and $996,927,301.74, paid in cash at the closing of the Merger, and (c) has the right to receive, during the five-year period commencing 180 days after the closing of the Merger, up to 60,730,000 Earnout Shares in five equal installments if the price of Shares maintains for a certain period of time a volume weighted average price greater than or equal to $13.00, $15.00, $16.50, $18.00 and $19.50, as applicable. Please refer to note 21 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.
On August 5, 2021, AMPSA listed its Shares and Warrants on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbols “AMBP” and “AMBP.WS”, respectively.
On August 6, 2021, AMPSA and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Global Asset Based Loan Facility in the amount of $300 million, which amount increased to $325 million on September 29, 2021.
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On September 7, 2021, AGSA launched an exchange offer pursuant to which it offered 2.5 Shares in exchange for each Class A common shares of AGSA that was validly tendered and not withdrawn at the closing of the exchange offer. Approximately 84% of the total outstanding Class A common shares of AGSA were exchanged, bringing AGSA’s ownership of AMPSA to approximately 75% and the public float to approximately 25%.
The Group is a leading supplier of metal beverage cans globally, with a particular focus on the Americas and Europe. The business supplies sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal packaging to a diversified customer base of leading global, regional and national beverage producers. AMPSA operates 24 production facilities in Europe and the Americas, employs approximately 5,800 people and recorded revenues of $4.1 billion in 2021.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. A summary of significant accounting policies is contained in note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the three years ended December 31, 2021. In applying accounting principles, we make assumptions, estimates and judgments which are often subjective and may be affected by changing circumstances or changes in our analysis. Material changes in these assumptions, estimates and judgments have the potential to materially alter our results of operations. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Business combinations and goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the purchase method of accounting. This involves measuring the cost of the business combination and allocating, at the acquisition date, the cost of the business combination to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in sales, general and administration expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.
Any contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date.
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition.
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to those groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose for the purpose of assessing impairment. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred.
Where goodwill has been allocated to a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or
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loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill acquired through a business combination has been allocated to groups of CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing based on the segment into which the business combination is assimilated. The groupings represent the lowest level at which the related goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. As at the reporting date, Europe and Americas were the groups of CGUs to which goodwill was allocated and monitored.
Value-in-use
The Group used the value in use (“VIU”) model for the purposes of the goodwill impairment testing, as this reflects the Group’s intention to hold and operate the assets. However, if an impairment indicator exists for a CGU, the Group uses the fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) model in order to establish the recoverable amount being the higher of the VIU model and the FVLCD model when compared to the carrying value of the CGU.
The VIU model used the 2022 budget approved by the Board and a three-year forecast for 2023 to 2025 (2020 three-year forecast period). The budget and forecast results were then extended for a further one-year period (2020: one-year period) making certain assumptions, including the profile between long-term depreciation and capital expenditure in addition to the how changes in input cost will impact customer pricing, in line with historic practice and contractual terms.
The terminal value assumed long-term growth based on a combination of factors including long-term inflation in addition to industry and market specific factors. The terminal value is estimated based on capitalizing the year 5 cash flows in perpetuity. The range of growth rates applied by management in respect of the terminal values applicable to all groups of CGU’s were 1.0% (2020: 1.0%).
Cash flows considered in the VIU model included the cash inflows and outflows related to the continuing use of the assets over their remaining useful lives, expected earnings, required maintenance capital expenditure, depreciation, amortization, tax paid, working capital and lease principal repayments.
The discount rate applied to cash flows in the VIU model was estimated using our weighted average cost of capital as determined by the Capital Asset Pricing Model with regard to the risks associated with the cash flows being considered (country, market and specific risks of the asset).
The modelled cash flows take into account the Group’s established history of earnings, cash flow generation and the nature of the markets in which we operate, where product obsolescence is low. The key assumptions employed in modelling estimates of future cash flows are subjective and include projected Adjusted EBITDA, discount rates and growth rates, replacement capital expenditure requirements, rates of customer retention and the ability to maintain margin through the pass through of input cost inflation.
The discount rates used ranged from 4.4% - 7.7% (2020: 5.1% - 7.9%). These rates are pre-tax. These assumptions have been used for the analysis for each group of CGUs. Management determined budgeted cash flows based on past performance and its expectations for the market development.
For all CGUs, a sensitivity analysis was performed reflecting potential variations in terminal growth rate and discount rate assumptions. In all cases the recoverable values calculated were in excess of the carrying values of the CGUs. The variation applied to terminal value growth rates and discount rates was a 50 basis points decrease and increase respectively and represents a reasonably possible change to the key assumptions of the VIU model. Further, a reasonably
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
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possible change to the operating cash flows would not reduce the recoverable amounts below the carrying value of the CGUs.
Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions and judgment is therefore required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit matters based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
Measurement of employee benefit obligations
The Group follows the guidance of IAS 19(R) to determine the present value of our obligations to current and past employees in respect of defined benefit pension obligations, other long-term employee benefits and other end of service employee benefits, which are subject to similar fluctuations in value in the long-term. We, with the assistance of a network of professionals, value such liabilities designed to ensure consistency in the quality of the key assumptions underlying the valuations.
The principal pension assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements take account of the different economic circumstances in the countries in which we operate and the different characteristics of the respective plans including the length of duration of liabilities.
The ranges of the principal assumptions applied in estimating defined benefit obligations were:
Germany | UK | U.S. | |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
% | % | % | % | % | % | ||||||
Rate of inflation | 1.70 | 1.50 | 3.20 |
| 2.70 |
| 2.20 |
| 2.50 | ||
Rate of increase in salaries | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.60 | 2.00 |
| 3.00 | 3.00 | ||||
Discount rate | 1.16 | 1.05 | 1.90 | 1.50 |
| 3.04 | 2.55 |
Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience.
These assumptions translate into the following average life expectancy in years for a pensioner retiring at age 65. The mortality assumptions for the countries with the most significant defined benefit plans are set out below:
Germany | UK |
| U.S. | |||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years | |
Life expectancy, current pensioners | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | ||||||
Life expectancy, future pensioners |
| 25 | 25 |
| 23 | 23 | 22 |
| 22 |
If the discount rate were to decrease by 50 basis points from management estimates, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would increase by an estimated $47 million (2020: $54 million). If the discount rate were to increase by 50 basis points, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would decrease by an estimated $41 million (2020: $47 million).
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If the inflation rate were to decrease by 50 basis points from management estimates, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would decrease by an estimated $15 million (2020: $23 million). If the inflation rate were to increase by 50 basis points, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would increase by an estimated $16 million (2020: $24 million).
If the salary increase rate were to decrease by 50 basis points from management estimates, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would decrease by an estimated $20 million (2020: $26 million). If the salary increase rate were to increase by 50 basis points, the carrying amount of the pension obligations would increase by an estimated $21 million (2020: $27 million).
The impact of increasing the life expectancy by one year would result in an increase in the Group’s liability of $14 million at December 31, 2021 (2020: $15 million), holding all other assumptions constant.
Exceptional items
The Group’s consolidated income statement, cash flow and segmental analysis separately identify results before specific items. Specific items are those that in management’s judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence to provide additional information. Such items include, where significant, restructuring, redundancy and other costs relating to permanent capacity realignment or footprint reorganization, directly attributable acquisition costs and acquisition integration costs, and other transaction-related costs, profit or loss on disposal or termination of operations, start-up costs incurred in relation to and associated with plant builds, significant new line investments, major litigation costs and settlements and impairments of non-current assets. In this regard the determination of “significant” as included in our definition uses qualitative and quantitative factors. Judgment is used by the Group in assessing the particular items, which by virtue of their scale and nature, are disclosed in the Group’s consolidated income statement, and related notes as exceptional items. Management considers columnar presentation to be appropriate in the consolidated income statement as it provides useful additional information and is consistent with the way that financial performance is measured by management and presented to the Board. Exceptional restructuring costs are classified as restructuring provisions and all other exceptional costs when outstanding at the balance sheet date are classified as exceptional items payable.
Recently adopted accounting standards and changes in accounting policies
The impact of new standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations issued and effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 have been assessed by the Board as not having had a material impact on the Group.
Recent accounting pronouncements
The Board’s assessment of the impact of new standards, which are not yet effective and which have not been early adopted by the Group, on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures is on-going.
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A. | Operating results |
Year Ended December 31, 2021 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Revenue |
| 4,055 |
| 3,451 |
Cost of sales |
| (3,439) |
| (2,903) |
Gross profit |
| 616 |
| 548 |
Sales, general and administration expenses |
| (418) |
| (189) |
Intangible amortization |
| (151) |
| (149) |
Operating profit |
| 47 |
| 210 |
Net finance expense |
| (235) |
| (70) |
(Loss)/profit before tax |
| (188) |
| 140 |
Income tax charge |
| (22) |
| (29) |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
| (210) | 111 |
Revenue
Revenue in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $604 million, or 18%, to $4,055 million, compared with $3,451 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in revenue is primarily driven by favorable volume/mix effects of 5%, which includes an impact of the Group’s growth investment program, the pass through to customers of higher metal costs and favorable foreign currency translation effects of $80 million.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $536 million, or 18%, to $3,439 million, compared with $2,903 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in cost of sales is mainly due to the impact of higher sales as outlined above, unfavorable currency translation effects and higher exceptional cost of sales, partly offset by lower input and other operating costs. Exceptional cost of sales increased by $23 million, mainly reflecting higher start-up related costs relating to the Group’s investment programs. Further analysis of the movement in exceptional items is set out in the “Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis” section.
Gross profit
Gross profit in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $68 million, or 12%, to $616 million, compared with $548 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Gross profit percentage in the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by 70 basis points to 15.2%, compared with 15.9% in the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding exceptional cost of sales, gross profit percentage in the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by 20 basis points to 15.9%, compared with 16.1% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of the items outlined above in revenue and cost of sales.
Sales, general and administration expenses
Sales, general and administration expenses in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $229 million, or 121%, to $418 million, compared with $189 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding exceptional items, sales, general and administration expenses are in line compared with the year ended December 31, 2020. Further analysis of the movement in exceptional items is set out in the “Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis” section.
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Intangible amortization and impairment
Intangible amortization and impairment in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $2 million, to $151 million, compared with $149 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was mainly due to foreign exchange effects.
Operating profit
Operating profit in the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by $163 million, or 78%, to $47 million compared with $210 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in operating profit primarily reflected the increase in exceptional sales, general and administration expenses, which comprised $242 million of transaction-related and other costs, predominantly the $205 million expense relating to the service for the listing of the Shares upon the completion of the Business Combination, partly offset by a higher gross profit.
Net finance expense
Net finance expense in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $165 million, or 236%, to $235 million, compared with $70 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Net finance expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 comprised of the following:
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Senior Secured and Senior Notes | 72 | — | ||
Interest on related party borrowings |
| 43 | 146 | |
Net pension interest cost |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Foreign currency translation loss/(gain) |
| 49 |
| (93) |
Losses on derivative financial instruments |
| — |
| 5 |
Other net finance expense | 11 | 9 | ||
Finance expense before exceptional items | 178 | 70 | ||
Exceptional finance expense |
| 57 | — | |
Net finance expense |
| 235 |
| 70 |
Senior Secured and Senior Notes increased by $72 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared with the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase relates to interest expense on the Senior Secured and Senior Notes as a result of the AMP Notes Issuance.
Interest on related party borrowings in the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by $103 million, or 71%, to $43 million, compared with $146 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease primarily relates to the settlement of the related party borrowings with Ardagh Group on April 1, 2021. Further analysis of the Group’s financing activity is set out in the “Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis” section.
Gains on derivative financial instruments recognized through net finance expense were $nil in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Foreign currency translation losses in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $142 million to $49 million, compared with a gain of $93 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by foreign exchange rate fluctuations, primarily the U.S. dollar and British pound.
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$57 million exceptional finance expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily comprised of a charge of $52 million from AGSA for redemption premiums and issuance costs on related party borrowings in conjunction with the AMP Transfer and $5 million interest payable on the AMP Notes Issuance in March 2021 related to the period prior to completion of the AMP Transfer on April 1, 2021, partly offset by a foreign currency translation gain of $13 million on the promissory note issued by the Company to AGSA as part of the consideration in connection with the Business Combination (the “AMP Promissory Note”) and a net $13 million foreign currency loss on the Earnout Shares and Public and Private Warrants (see note 21 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report).
Income tax charge
Income tax charge in the year ended December 31, 2021 resulted in a tax charge of $22 million, compared with a tax charge of $29 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.
The decrease in income tax charge is primarily attributable to a movement in (loss)/profit before tax of $328 million (tax effect of $82 million at the standard rate of Luxembourg corporation tax) in the year ended December 31, 2021. This decrease is partially offset by an increase of $27 million in tax charge in non-deductible and other tax items (primarily transaction related and other costs attributable to the completion of the Business Combination), an increase of $16 million in tax charge in respect of prior years (prior year included tax credits relating to the carry back of net operating losses in the United States as a result of the enactment from March 27, 2020 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act), an increase of $14 million in tax charge in respect of income taxed at rates other than standard rate of Luxembourg corporation tax, an increase of $9 million in the tax charge on the re-measurement of deferred taxes (due to the increase in the substantially enacted rate of corporation tax in the UK), an increase of $6 million in tax charge in respect of income subject to state and other local income taxes, and an increase of $3 million in tax losses for which no deferred income tax was recognized.
The effective income tax rate on profit before exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 28% compared with a rate of 27% for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Loss/profit for the year
As a result of the items described above, the loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $321 million to $210 million, compared with a profit of $111 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.
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Year Ended December 31, 2020 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Revenue |
| 3,451 |
| 3,344 |
Cost of sales |
| (2,903) |
| (2,832) |
Gross profit |
| 548 |
| 512 |
Sales, general and administration expenses |
| (189) |
| (165) |
Intangible amortization and impairment |
| (149) |
| (149) |
Operating profit |
| 210 |
| 198 |
Net finance expense |
| (70) |
| (213) |
Profit/(loss) before tax |
| 140 |
| (15) |
Income tax charge |
| (29) |
| (25) |
Profit/(loss) for the year |
| 111 | (40) |
Revenue
Revenue in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $107 million, or 3%, to $3,451 million, compared with $3,344 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in revenue principally reflected favorable volume/mix effects of 5% and favorable foreign currency translation effects of $10 million, partly offset by lower selling prices.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $71 million, or 3%, to $2,903 million, compared with $2,832 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in cost of sales is mainly due to the impact of higher sales as outlined above, unfavorable currency translation effects, higher exceptional costs of sales and higher operating costs. Further analysis of the movement in exceptional items is set out in the “Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis” section.
Gross profit
Gross profit in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $36 million, or 7%, to $548 million, compared with $512 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Gross profit percentage in the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by 60 basis points to 15.9%, compared with 15.3% in the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding exceptional cost of sales, gross profit percentage in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by 70 basis points to 16.1%, compared with 15.4% in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Sales, general and administration expenses
Sales, general and administration expenses in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $24 million, or 15%, to $189 million, compared with $165 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding exceptional items, sales, general and administration expenses increased by $22 million, or 14%, mainly due to higher operating costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2020. Further analysis of the movement in exceptional items is set out in the “Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis” section.
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Intangible amortization
Intangible amortization in the year ended December 31, 2020 remained constant at $149 million with the year ended December 31, 2019.
Operating profit
Operating profit in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $12 million, or 6%, to $210 million compared with $198 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in operating profit primarily reflected higher gross profit, partly offset by the higher sales, general and administration expenses.
Net finance expense
Net finance expense in the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by $143 million, or 67%, to $70 million, compared with $213 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Net finance expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 comprised of the following:
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Interest on related party borrowings |
| 146 |
| 170 |
Net pension interest cost |
| 3 |
| 4 |
Foreign currency translation (gain)/loss |
| (93) |
| 20 |
Losses on derivative financial instruments |
| 5 |
| 2 |
Other net finance expense | 9 | 12 | ||
Finance expense before exceptional items |
| 70 | 208 | |
Exceptional finance expense |
| — | 5 | |
Net finance expense from continuing operations |
| 70 | 213 |
Interest on related party borrowings in the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased by $24 million, or 14%, to $146 million, compared with $170 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the reduction in interest rates on related party borrowings.
Derivative financial instruments in the year ended December 31, 2020 reflected a loss of $5 million, compared to $2 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, which related primarily to the Group’s forward foreign exchange contracts.
Foreign currency translation gain in the year ended December 31, 2020 was $93 million, compared with a loss of $20 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, which related to favorable currency translation effects driven by exchange rate fluctuations primarily in relation to USD-denominated related party borrowings in euro functional entities.
Exceptional finance expense of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily related to the accelerated amortization of deferred debt issue costs.
Income tax charge
Income tax charge in the year ended December 31, 2020 resulted in a tax charge of $29 million, compared with a tax charge of $25 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in income tax charge is primarily attributable to an increase in the profit before tax of $155 million (tax effect of $39 million at the standard rate of Luxembourg corporation tax). This increase was partially offset by a decrease of $20 million in income tax charge in
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respect of prior years (which includes tax credits during the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the carry back of tax losses as a result of the enactment from March 27, 2020, of the CARES Act), a decrease of $7 million in the income tax charge relating to income taxed at rates other than the standard rate of Luxembourg corporation tax, a decrease of $5 million in non-deductible and other tax items, and a decrease of $3 million in income subject to state and other local income taxes.
The effective income tax rate on profit before exceptional items for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 27% compared with a rate of 560% for the year ended December 31, 2019. The effective income tax rate is a function of the profit or loss before tax and the tax charge or credit for the year. The primary drivers impacting the effective tax rate are non-taxable/deductible foreign currency translation gain/losses and non-deductible interest expense in certain territories.
Profit/(loss) for the year
As a result of the items described above, the profit for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $111 million, compared with a loss of $40 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Supplemental Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Key Operating Measures
Adjusted EBITDA consists of profit/(loss) for the year before income tax charge/(credit), net finance expense, depreciation and amortization and exceptional operating items. We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate and assess our segment performance. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because we believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in evaluating companies in the packaging industry. However, other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA in a manner different from ours. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS and should not be considered an alternative to profit/(loss) as indicators of operating performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with IFRS.
For a reconciliation of the profit/(loss) for the year to Adjusted EBITDA see below:
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||||
(Loss)/profit |
| (210) | 111 | (40) | ||
Income tax expense | 22 | 29 | 25 | |||
Net finance expense | 235 | 70 | 213 | |||
Depreciation and amortization |
| 343 | 315 | 290 | ||
EBITDA | 390 | 525 | 488 | |||
Exceptional operating items |
| 272 | 20 | 15 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 662 | 545 | 503 |
Adjusted EBITDA in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $117 million, or 21%, to $662 million, compared with $545 million in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $42 million, or 8%, to $545 million, compared with $503 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
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Exceptional Items
The following table provides detail on exceptional items from continuing operations included in cost of sales, sales, general and administration expenses, finance expense and finance income:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m | |
Start-up related costs |
| 30 |
| 7 |
| 4 |
Exceptional items - cost of sales |
| 30 |
| 7 |
| 4 |
Transaction-related and other costs |
| 242 |
| 13 |
| 11 |
Exceptional items - SGA expenses |
| 242 |
| 13 |
| 11 |
Exceptional finance expense |
| 57 |
| — |
| 5 |
Exceptional items - finance expense |
| 57 |
| — |
| 5 |
Exceptional items | 329 | 20 | 20 | |||
Exceptional income tax credit | (17) | (14) | (3) | |||
Total exceptional credit, net of tax |
| 312 | 6 | 17 |
Exceptional items are those that in management’s judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence.
2021
Exceptional items of $312 million have been recognized in the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily comprising:
● | $30 million start-up related costs in the Americas ($21 million) and Europe ($9 million), relating to the Group’s investment programs. |
● | $242 million transaction-related and other costs, primarily comprised of an expense of $205 million relating to the service for the listing of the Shares upon the completion of the Business Combination on August 4, 2021, as further detailed in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report, $41 million of professional advisory fees in relation to the Business Combination and transactions and other costs related to transformation initiatives, partly offset by a $4 million credit related to a loan forgiven with respect to the US pension plan (see note 25 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report). |
● | $57 million exceptional finance expense comprised of a charge of $52 million from AGSA for redemption premiums and issuance costs on related party borrowings in conjunction with the AMP Transfer (see note 25 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report), $5 million interest payable on the AMP Notes Issuance in March 2021 related to the period prior to completion of the AMP Transfer on April 1, 2021 and a net $13 million foreign currency loss on the Earnout Shares and Public and Private Warrants (see note 21 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report), partly offset by a foreign currency translation gain of $13 million on the AMP Promissory Note. |
● | $17 million from tax credits relating to the above exceptional items. |
2020
Exceptional items of $6 million were recognized for the year ending December 31, 2020, primarily comprising:
● | $7 million primarily related to capacity realignment and investment programs of the Group, mainly related to start-up costs, principally incurred in the Americas. |
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● | $13 million primarily related to transaction-related and other costs, including customary indemnification clauses related to the original acquisition of the AMP Business by AGSA and professional advisory fees, and other costs related to transformation initiatives. |
● | $14 million from tax credits including $6 million relating to tax benefits arising from the enactment from March 27, 2020, of the CARES Act. |
2019
Exceptional items of $17 million were recognized for the year ending December 31, 2019, primarily comprising:
● | $4 million primarily related to capacity realignment and investment programs of the Group, mainly related to start-up costs. |
● | $11 million primarily related to transaction-related and other costs, including customary indemnification clauses related to the original acquisition of the AMP Business by AGSA and professional advisory fees. |
● | $5 million accelerated amortization of deferred debt issue costs. |
● | $3 million from tax credits. |
Segment Information
Year Ended December 31, 2021 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Europe |
| 1,838 | 1,599 | |
Americas |
| 2,217 |
| 1,852 |
Total Revenue | 4,055 | 3,451 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
Europe |
| 281 | 249 | |
Americas |
| 381 |
| 296 |
Total Adjusted EBITDA | 662 | 545 |
Revenue
Europe. Revenue increased by $239 million, or 15%, to $1,838 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $1,599 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in revenue principally reflects favorable volume/mix effects of 4%, which includes an impact of the Group’s growth investment program, favorable foreign currency translation effects of $80 million and the pass through of higher input costs.
Americas. Revenue increased by $365 million, or 20%, to $2,217 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $1,852 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenue growth reflected favorable volume/mix effects of 7% and the pass through of higher input costs.
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Business Drivers.”
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Adjusted EBITDA
Europe. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $32 million, or 13%, to $281 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $249 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation effects of $13 million, the increase in Adjusted EBITDA reflected a positive impact from the Group’s growth investment program and operating costs savings.
Americas. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $85 million, or 29%, to $381 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $296 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. Adjusted EBITDA growth was mainly driven by favorable volume/mix effects, which includes an impact of the Group’s growth investment program.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Europe |
| 1,599 |
| 1,556 |
Americas |
| 1,852 |
| 1,788 |
Total Revenue | 3,451 | 3,344 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
|
|
|
Europe |
| 249 |
| 253 |
Americas |
| 296 |
| 250 |
Total Adjusted EBITDA | 545 | 503 |
Revenue
Europe. Revenue increased by $43 million, or 3%, to $1,599 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with $1,556 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in revenue primarily reflects favorable foreign currency translation effects of $10 million and favorable volume/mix effects of 4%, partly offset by the pass through of lower input costs in selling prices.
Americas. Revenue increased by $64 million, or 4%, to $1,852 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with $1,788 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Revenue growth reflected favorable volume/mix effects of 5%, partly offset by the pass through of lower input costs.
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Business Drivers.”
Adjusted EBITDA
Europe. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $4 million, or 2%, to $249 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with $253 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding favorable foreign currency translation effects of $1 million, the decrease in Adjusted EBITDA reflected the net impact of a prior year pension credit and increased operating costs, partly offset by favorable volume/mix effects and lower input costs.
Americas. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $46 million, or 18%, to $296 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with $250 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. Adjusted EBITDA growth was mainly driven by favorable volume/mix effects and other costs savings.
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B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
Cash Requirements Related to Operations
Our principal sources of cash are cash generated from operations and external financings, including borrowings and other credit facilities. Our principal funding arrangements include borrowings available under the Group’s Global Asset Based Loan Facility. These and other sources of external financing are described further in the following table. Our principal credit agreements and indentures are also filed as exhibits to this annual report.
Our sales and cash flows are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Demand for our metal beverage products is typically, based on historical trends, strongest during the summer months and in the period prior to December because of the seasonal nature of beverage consumption. The investment in working capital for metal beverage packaging typically peaks in the first quarter. We manage the seasonality of our working capital by supplementing operating cash flows with drawings under our credit facilities.
The following table outlines our principal financing arrangements as of December 31, 2021.
|
| Maximum |
| Final |
|
|
|
| ||||||
amount | maturity | Facility | Undrawn | |||||||||||
Facility | Currency | drawable | date | type | Amount drawn | amount | ||||||||
|
| Local |
|
|
| Local |
|
| ||||||
currency | currency | $'m | $'m | |||||||||||
m | m |
| ||||||||||||
2.000% Senior Secured Notes |
| EUR |
| 450 |
| 01-Sep-28 |
| Bullet |
| 450 |
| 510 | — | |
3.250% Senior Secured Notes |
| USD |
| 600 |
| 01-Sep-28 |
| Bullet |
| 600 |
| 600 | — | |
3.000% Senior Notes | EUR | 500 | 01-Sep-29 | Bullet | 500 | 566 | — | |||||||
4.000% Senior Notes | USD | 1,050 | 01-Sep-29 | Bullet | 1,050 | 1,050 | — | |||||||
Global Asset Based Loan Facility |
| USD |
| 325 |
| 06-Aug-26 |
| Revolving |
| — |
| — | 325 | |
Lease obligations | Various | — | — | Amortizing | — | 182 | — | |||||||
Other borrowings | Various | — | Rolling | Amortizing | — | 19 | — | |||||||
Total borrowings / undrawn facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,927 |
| 325 | |
Deferred debt issue costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (40) | — | ||
Net borrowings / undrawn facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,887 |
| 325 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| (463) | 463 | |
Net debt / available liquidity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2,424 |
| 788 |
On March 12, 2021, the Group, in connection with the Business Combination, issued €450 million 2.000% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, $600 million 3.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2028, €500 million 3.000% Senior Notes due 2029 and $1,050 million 4.000% Senior Notes due 2029. Details related to the transaction and use of proceeds from this issuance are outlined in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
On March 24, 2021 and March 30, 2021, historical related party debt of $113 million was settled, being reflected as a non-cash capital contribution within other reserves.
On April 1, 2021, upon the consummation of the AMP Transfer, historical related party debt of $2,555 million was settled of which $1,741 million was paid to AGSA with the remainder of $814 million being reflected as a non-cash capital contribution within other reserves.
On August 6, 2021, AMPSA and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Global Asset Based Loan Facility in the amount of $300 million. The amount increased to $325 million on September 29, 2021.
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71
Lease obligations at December 31, 2021, of $182 million primarily reflect $100 million of new lease liabilities and $1 million of lease liabilities acquired, partly offset by $48 million of principal repayments and $7 million of favorable foreign currency movements in the year ended December 31, 2021. The Group expects that during 2022 the lease obligation will increase upon commencement of new leases.
At December 31, 2021 the Group had $325 million available under the Global Asset Based Loan Facility.
The following table outlines the minimum repayments the Group is obliged to make in the twelve months ending December 31, 2021, assuming that the other credit lines will be renewed or replaced with similar facilities as they mature.
|
|
|
|
| Minimum net | |||||
repayment for | ||||||||||
the twelve | ||||||||||
Final | months ending | |||||||||
Local | Maturity | Facility | December 31, | |||||||
Facility |
| Currency |
| Currency |
| Date |
| Type |
| 2022 |
(in millions) | (in $ millions) | |||||||||
Lease obligations |
| Various |
| — |
| — |
| Amortizing |
| 43 |
Other borrowings |
| Various |
| — |
| Rolling |
| Amortizing |
| 13 |
56 |
In the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group reported operating profit of $47 million, cash generated from operations of $611 million and generated Adjusted EBITDA of $662 million.
The Group generates substantial cash flow from our operations and had $463 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2021, as well as available but undrawn liquidity of $325 million under its credit facilities. We believe that our cash balances and future cash flow from operating activities, as well as our credit facilities, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our maintenance capital expenditure and interest payments on our notes and other credit facilities for at least the next 12 months. In addition, we believe that we will be able to fund certain additional investments through a combination of cash flow generated from operations and, where appropriate, to raise additional financing.
Accordingly, the Group believes that its long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to the service of our debt obligations. We expect to satisfy our future long-term liquidity needs through a combination of cash flow generated from operations and, where appropriate, to raise additional financing and to refinance our debt obligations in advance of their respective maturity dates.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
Receivables Factoring and Related Programs
The Group participates in several uncommitted accounts receivable factoring and related programs with various financial institutions for certain receivables, accounted for as true sales of receivables, without recourse to the Group. Receivables of $456 million were sold under these programs at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020: $332 million).
Trade Payables Processing
Our suppliers have access to independent third party payable processors. The processors allow suppliers, if they choose, to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. We have no involvement in the sale of these receivables and the suppliers are at liberty to use these arrangements if they wish to receive early payment. As the original liability to our suppliers, including amounts due and
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
72
scheduled payment dates, remains as agreed in our supply agreements and is neither legally extinguished nor substantially modified, the Group continues to present such obligations within trade payables.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table outlines our principal contractual obligations as of December 31, 2021:
Less than | More than | |||||||||
| Total |
| one year |
| 1 – 3 years |
| 3 – 5 years |
| five years | |
(in $ millions) | ||||||||||
Long term debt—capital repayment |
| 2,726 | — | — | — | 2,726 | ||||
Long term debt—interest * |
| 651 | 89 | 177 | 177 | 208 | ||||
Lease obligations and other borrowings |
| 233 | 63 | 65 | 66 | 39 | ||||
Purchase obligations |
| 1,270 | 1,270 | — | — | — | ||||
Derivatives |
| 12 | 10 |
| 2 | |||||
Contracted capital commitments |
| 452 | 452 | |||||||
Total |
| 5,344 | 1,884 |
| 244 |
| 243 | 2,973 |
* Long term debt interest is calculated based on the contractual interest rates for the Senior Secured and Senior Notes as described in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements
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Cash Flows
The following table sets forth certain information reflecting a summary of our cash flow activity for the three years ended December 31, 2021 set forth below:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||||
Operating profit |
| 47 |
| 210 |
| 198 |
Depreciation and amortization |
| 343 | 315 | 290 | ||
Exceptional operating items |
| 272 |
| 20 |
| 15 |
Movement in working capital(1) |
| 16 |
| 7 |
| 102 |
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid | (67) | (22) |
| (7) | ||
Cash generated from operations |
| 611 | 530 |
| 598 | |
Interest paid |
| (105) | (155) | (178) | ||
Income tax paid |
| (48) | (41) | (43) | ||
Net cash from operating activities |
| 458 |
| 334 |
| 377 |
Capital expenditure(2) |
| (686) | (268) | (205) | ||
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired | (5) | — | — | |||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (691) | (268) | (205) | ||
Proceeds from borrowings |
| 2,773 | — |
| 16 | |
Repayment of borrowings |
| (5) | (8) | — | ||
Repayment of related party borrowings to Ardagh |
| (2,738) | — | — | ||
Proceeds from share issuance, net of costs |
| 925 | — | — | ||
Payment as part of capital reorganization | (574) | — | — | |||
Proceeds from related party borrowings from Ardagh |
| 2 | — | — | ||
Cash received from Ardagh |
| 206 | — | — | ||
Redemption premium and issuance costs paid |
| (52) |
| — |
| — |
Deferred debt issue costs paid |
| (35) |
| — |
| — |
Consideration received on termination of derivative financial instruments | — | — | 28 | |||
Lease payments | (48) | (35) | (26) | |||
Cash remitted to Ardagh |
| — |
| (55) |
| (54) |
Net inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
| 454 |
| (98) |
| (36) |
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
| 221 |
| (32) |
| 136 |
Exchange (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents |
| (15) |
| 5 |
| — |
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents after exchange losses |
| 206 |
| (27) |
| 136 |
(1) | Working capital is made up of inventories, trade and other receivables, contract assets, trade and other payables and current provisions. Other companies may calculate working capital in a manner different than ours. |
(2) | Capital expenditure is the sum of purchase of property, plant and equipment and software and other intangibles, net of proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment. |
Net cash from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities increased by $124 million from $334 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, to $458 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was mainly due to a $42 million increase in operating profit, prior to a non-cash exceptional operating item of $205 million (expense relating to the service for the
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
74
listing of the Shares upon the completion of the Business Combination), an increase in depreciation and amortization of $28 million, a remaining increase in exceptional operating items of $47 million and an increase in working capital inflows of $9 million, partly offset by an increase in transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid of $45 million. Net cash from operating activities was further impacted by interest paid and tax paid of $105 million and $48 million, respectively.
Net cash from operating activities decreased by $43 million from $377 million in the year ended December 31, 2019, to $334 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in working capital inflows of $95 million, and an increase of $15 million in transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid, partly offset by an increase of $12 million in operating profit, an increase in depreciation and amortization of $25 million and an increase in exceptional operating items expense of $5 million. Net cash from operating activities was further impacted by interest paid and tax paid of $155 million and $41 million, respectively.
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $423 million to $691 million in the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with the same period in 2020 mainly driven by increased capital expenditure on the Group’s growth investment program and the timing of projects. Capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes $598 million on the Group’s growth investment projects.
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $63 million to $268 million in the year ended December 31, 2020, compared with the same period in 2019 due to increased capital expenditure, reflecting capital investment initiatives and the timing of projects. Capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes $168 million related to the Group’s growth investment initiatives.
Net inflow/(outflow) from financing activities
In the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash from financing activities represented an inflow of $454 million compared with an outflow of $98 million in the same period in 2020.
2021 Financing Activity
Proceeds from borrowings of $2,773 million and repayment of borrowings of $5 million principally reflected the AMP Notes Issuance as described in note 19 – Financial assets and liabilities of the consolidated financial statements.
Repayment of related party borrowings to AGSA of $2,738 million principally reflects the settlement of related party borrowings of $1,741 million upon the AMP Transfer and use of $997 million as part of the settlement of the AMP Promissory Note during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Proceeds from share issuance, net of costs of $925 million reflects the share issuance to the Subscribers, GHV shareholders and GHV Sponsor, net of issuance costs during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Lease payments of $48 million, in the year ended December 31, 2021, increased by $13 million, compared with $35 million in the prior year, primarily reflecting increased principal repayments on the Group’s leasing activities.
2020 Financing Activity
In the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash from financing activities represented an outflow of $98 million compared with $36 million in the same period in 2019. The increase was due to a cash outflow of $8 million in the net change in other current borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily related to amounts collected from
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75
customers for accounts receivables sold under factoring arrangements but not yet remitted to the financial institutions at December 31, 2020, compared to a cash inflow of $16 million in the year ended December 31, 2019.
Lease repayments also increased by $9 million compared to the same period in 2019 as a result of leasing activity levels.
Working capital
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the movement in working capital increased by $9 million to an inflow of $16 million, compared to an inflow of $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in working capital inflows was primarily due to favorable cash flows generated from trade and other payables, partly offset by unfavorable cash flows generated from trade and other receivables and inventory.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, working capital inflows decreased by $95 million to $7 million, compared to $102 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in working capital inflows was primarily due to unfavorable cash flows generated from trade and other receivables and trade and other payables, partly offset by favorable cash flows generated from inventories.
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid in the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $45 million to $67 million compared with $22 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. In the year ended December 31, 2021, amounts paid of $67 million primarily comprised of costs related to capacity realignment and investments programs of the AMP Business, including start-up costs and transaction-related and other professional advisory fees.
Transaction-related, start-up and other exceptional costs paid in the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $15 million to $22 million compared with $7 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. In the year ended December 31, 2020, amounts paid of $22 million primarily related to capacity realignment and investments programs of the Group, including start-up costs.
Income tax paid
Income tax paid during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $48 million, which represents an increase of $7 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase is primarily attributable to the timing of tax payments and refunds received in certain jurisdictions.
Income tax paid during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $41 million, which represents a decrease of $2 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily attributable to the timing of tax payments and refunds received in certain jurisdictions.
Capital expenditure
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | |
(in $ millions) | ||||||
Europe |
| 190 | 101 | 95 | ||
Americas |
| 496 | 167 | 110 | ||
Net capital expenditure | 686 | 268 | 205 |
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Capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $418 million to $686 million, compared to $268 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the Group’s growth investment program and also due to the timing of projects. For the year ended December 31, 2021, capital expenditure included $598 million related to the Group’s growth investment program.
In Europe, capital expenditure in the year ended December 31, 2021 was $190 million, compared to capital expenditure of $101 million in the same period in 2020 with the increase primarily attributable to growth investment projects and the timing of projects. In Americas capital expenditure in the year ended December 31, 2021 was $496 million compared to capital expenditure of $167 million in the same period in 2020, with the increase primarily attributable to increased capital investment initiatives, in particular from the growth investment programs and included the acquisition of a large brownfield facility in Huron, Ohio and other expansion projects.
Capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $63 million to $268 million, compared to $205 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily attributable to spending of $168 million on the Group’s growth investment projects during 2020.
In Europe, capital expenditure in the year ended December 31, 2020 was $101 million, compared to capital expenditure of $95 million in the same period in 2019 with the increase primarily attributable to growth projects, partly offset by the timing of activity. In Americas capital expenditure in the year ended December 31, 2020 was $167 million compared to capital expenditure of $110 million in the same period in 2019, with the increase primarily attributable to the Group’s growth investment initiatives.
C. | Research and development, patents and licenses |
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Innovation, Research and Development.”
D. | Trend information |
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events since December 31, 2021 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that would cause the reported financial information in this annual report to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
E. | Critical Accounting Estimates |
See “Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments” outlined in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
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Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A.Directors and Officers
Set forth below is information concerning our directors and officers as of the date of this annual report including their names, ages, positions and current directorship terms (which expire on the date of the relevant year’s annual general meeting of shareholders). For purposes of this Item 6.A, references to the “Group” refer to Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. There are no family relationships among the executive officers or between any executive officer or director. Our executive officers are appointed by the board of directors to serve in their roles. Each executive officer is appointed for such term as may be prescribed by the board of directors or until a successor has been chosen and qualified or until such officer’s death, resignation or removal. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of all of our executive officers and directors is 56, rue Charles Martel, L-2134 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Name |
| Age |
| Position |
| Expiration of |
Paul Coulson | 69 | Chairman | 2024 | |||
Shaun Murphy | 55 | Vice Chairman | 2023 | |||
Oliver Graham | 53 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | 2023 | |||
John Sheehan | 56 | Director | 2022 | |||
Abigail Blunt | 60 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2024 | |||
Yves Elsen | 63 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2022 | |||
Elizabeth Marcellino | 64 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2023 | |||
Damien O’Brien | 66 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2022 | |||
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede | 66 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2024 | |||
Hermanus Troskie | 51 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2022 | |||
Edward White | 74 | Independent Non-Executive Director | 2024 |
Backgrounds of Our Directors and Officers
Paul Coulson
Paul Coulson graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a business degree in 1973. He spent five years with Price Waterhouse in London and Dublin and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1978. He then established his own accounting firm before setting up Yeoman International in 1980 and developing it into a significant leasing and structured finance business. In 1998 he became Chairman of Ardagh and initiated the transformation of Ardagh from a small, single plant operation into a leading global packaging company. Over the last 30 years he has been involved in the creation and development of a number of businesses apart from Yeoman and Ardagh. These include Fanad Fisheries, a leading Irish salmon farming company, and Sterile Technologies. Prior to its sale to Stericycle, Inc. in 2006, Sterile Technologies had been developed into the leading medical waste management company in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Shaun Murphy
Shaun Murphy was appointed Chief Operating Officer and Director of Ardagh Group S.A. in 2019 and is Vice Chairman of the Group. Prior to joining Ardagh, he was a partner at KPMG for almost 20 years and completed a six-year term as Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland in 2019. Mr. Murphy also served as the Lead Director on KPMG’s Global Board from 2015 until 2019. He holds a business degree from University College Dublin and is a Chartered Accountant.
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Oliver Graham
Oliver Graham is CEO of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A., a position he has held since January 1, 2020. Before taking up this role, Mr. Graham was CEO of Metal Packaging Europe with responsibility for Metal Packaging Brazil, as well as being Ardagh Group S.A. Commercial Director. He joined Ardagh in 2016 following the acquisition of the metal beverage business, prior to which he was Group Commercial Director at Rexam PLC. Mr. Graham joined Rexam PLC in 2013 from The Boston Consulting Group, where he was a partner.
John Sheehan
John Sheehan was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of Ardagh Group in 2021, having previously been Director of Corporate Development and Investor Relations. Prior to joining Ardagh in 2012, Mr. Sheehan spent twelve years in the equity capital markets with Investec, RBS and NCB, covering a range of sectors. Mr. Sheehan qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Abigail Blunt
Abigail Blunt currently serves at Strategic Advisor for Government and ESG Affairs and Advisor to the Board of the Kraft Heinz Company. Prior to transitioning to this role in October 2021, Mrs. Blunt served as Global Head of Government Affairs for the Kraft Heinz Company and its predecessor organization Kraft Foods Group since 2012, and as a Sr. Director of Kraft Foods Global. Earlier in her career, Mrs. Blunt gained extensive legislative and political experience as Finance Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Deputy Director of the Bush Reelection Committee, Foundation Director at the US Chamber of Commerce and a legislative aide at the US House of Representatives. Mrs. Blunt was named by Washingtonian Magazine as one of “Washington’s Most Influential People” in 2021. She also serves as a member of The Economic Club of Washington. Mrs. Blunt is an independent director and is a member of the Audit Committee and Sustainability Committee.
Yves Elsen
Yves Elsen is CEO and managing partner of HITEC Luxembourg S.A., a Luxembourg-based industrial and technology company serving contractors in over 20 countries around the world. Prior to this, Mr. Elsen founded and led SATLYNX S.A., following extensive experience with listed satellite operator SES - Société Européenne des Satellites S.A. He was a member of the supervisory board of Villeroy & Boch AG from 2013 to 2019 and its Chairman from 2017. Mr. Elsen is Chairman of the board of governors of the University of Luxembourg. He is an independent director and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Elizabeth Marcellino
Elizabeth Marcellino is a writer and communications consultant who worked for more than a decade as a journalist reporting on a wide range of policy issues for Los Angeles-based City News Service. She was previously a managing director of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., where she worked from 1991 to 2004 in investment banking, portfolio management, and private equity, with a focus on the real estate industry. Ms. Marcellino serves as a member of the board of directors of Gores Holdings VII, Gores Guggenheim and Gores Holdings IX and sits on the national board of Jumpstart for Young Children, a nonprofit organization. She earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and an M.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Ms. Marcellino is an independent director and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Sustainability Committee.
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Damien O’Brien
Damien O’Brien has served as CEO of Egon Zehnder from 2008 to 2014 and as its Chairman from 2010 to 2018. Mr. O’Brien joined Egon Zehnder in 1988 and since then he has been based in Australia, Asia and Europe. He is also a member of the boards of IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, and St. Vincents Health Australia. Mr. O’Brien is an independent director and is a member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede has had a distinguished career in British politics. A Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2019, he held a range of ministerial offices, most recently serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2016 to 2019. Prior to this, he served as Foreign Secretary from 2014 to 2016, as Defence Secretary from 2011 to 2014 and as Transport Secretary from 2010 to 2011. Lord Philip Hammond is an independent director and is a member of the Audit Committee.
Hermanus Troskie
Hermanus Troskie has been a director of Ardagh Group since 2009. He is an independent director and a member of the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Troskie is the CEO of Corporate, Legal and Tax Advisory at Stonehage Fleming, the international Family Office. He has extensive experience in the areas of international corporate structuring, cross-border financing and capital markets, with a particular interest in integrated structuring for entrepreneurs and their businesses. Mr. Troskie is a director of companies within the Yeoman group of companies, and other private and public companies. He qualified as a South African Attorney in 1997, and as a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales in 2001. Mr. Troskie is based in Luxembourg.
Edward White
Edward White has been an Executive Professor of Finance in the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University since 2014. He was formerly a Senior Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of O-I Glass, Inc. for seven years until his retirement in 2012. During his 38-year career with O-I, he worked in a variety of management roles across finance, manufacturing and marketing. His international experiences included senior management positions as an expatriate in Finland, Poland, France and Switzerland. Mr. White holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Indiana University. He is an independent director and Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Senior Management
David Bourne
David Bourne joined Ardagh in 2014 as Finance Director Operations with responsibility for transformational organic and M&A finance initiatives within Ardagh Group. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. in 2020. Mr. Bourne previously has 20 years’ experience with KPMG including long-term secondments to DS Smith plc supporting their acquisition of SCA Packaging and AstraZeneca plc supporting their divestment of Cellmark Diagnostics. Mr. Bourne is qualified as a Chartered Accountant and holds an accounting and economics degree from the University of Reading.
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B. | Compensation |
Director Compensation
The Company has established a compensation program for our non-employee directors. In 2021, the aggregate amount of our non-employee directors’ compensation was approximately $0.7 million, in the form of a cash retainer for the performance of duties as a director. The non-employee directors’ compensation program allows each non-employee director the opportunity to elect to receive common shares in lieu of a portion of the annual cash retainer payable to the non-employee director under the program.
We also reimburse our non-employee directors for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties as directors, including, without limitation, travel expenses in connection with their attendance in-person at board of directors and committee meetings. Directors who are employees do not receive any compensation for their services as directors.
Key Management Compensation
The aggregate amount of compensation our key management (including directors) received from the Group for service as key management for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $5 million. In addition, subsidiaries of Ardagh Group, which do not form part of the Group, incurred transaction-related and other compensation for key management during the year of $28 million. An aggregate of approximately $2 million has been set aside or accrued for the year ended December 31, 2021 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits to our key management (including directors). See note 25 to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
C. | Board practices |
Controlled Company
Our Shares are listed on the NYSE. Under the NYSE’s current listing standards, we qualify for and avail ourselves of certain of the controlled company exemptions under the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. As a controlled company, we are not required to have (1) a majority of “independent directors” on our Board of Directors, as defined under the rules of the NYSE, (2) a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee composed entirely of “independent directors” with written charters addressing each committee’s purpose and responsibilities or (3) an annual performance evaluation of the compensation and nominating and governance committees. As a controlled company, we utilize certain of these exemptions, including that although we have adopted charters for our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees, our compensation and nominating and governance committees are not composed entirely of independent directors.
Composition of Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors currently consists of 11 members. Our board of directors consists of such number of directors as the general meeting of shareholders may from time to time determine, provided that the board of directors is composed at all times of no fewer than three (3) directors and no more than fifteen (15) directors.
Election of Directors
The holders of our Shares have the right to elect the board of directors at a general meeting of shareholders by a simple majority of the votes validly cast. The existing directors have the right to appoint persons to fill vacancies, which persons may hold office until the following annual general meeting.
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Service Contracts of Directors
There are no service contracts between us and any of our current non-employee directors providing for benefits upon termination of their service. For a discussion of compensation, including post-termination benefits, of employee directors, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Key Management Compensation” above.
Board of Directors Powers and Functions
The board of directors has the power to take any action necessary or useful to realize the corporate objects of the Company, with the exception of the powers reserved by Luxembourg Law or by the Articles to the general meeting of shareholders. Directors must act with diligence and in good faith in performing their duties and in the corporate interest of the company. The expected behavior of a director is that of a normally prudent person, in a like position, having the benefit, when making such a decision, of the same knowledge and information as the directors having made the decision.
Board of Directors Meetings and Decisions
We expect that all of the resolutions of the board of directors will be adopted by a simple majority of votes cast in a meeting at which a quorum is present or represented by proxy. A member of the board of directors may authorize another member of the board of directors to represent him/her at the board meeting and to vote on his/her behalf at the meeting.
Our board of directors meets as often as it deems necessary to conduct the business of the Company.
Experience of Directors
We believe that the composition of the board of directors, which includes a broad spread of nationalities, backgrounds and expertise, provides the breadth and depth of skills, knowledge and experience that are required to effectively lead an internationally diverse business with interests spanning three continents and 10 individual countries.
We believe that our independent non-executive directors have broad-based international business expertise and have gained significant and relevant industry specific expertise over a number of years. The composition of the board of directors reflects the need to maintain a balance of skills, knowledge and experience.
The independent non-executive directors use their broad-based skills, diverse range of business and financial experiences and international backgrounds in reviewing and assessing any opportunities or challenges facing the Company and play an important role in developing the Company’s strategy and scrutinizing the performance of management in meeting the Company’s goals and objectives.
We expect our board members collectively to have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to effectively oversee the management of the Company, including a high degree of personal and professional integrity, an ability to exercise sound business judgment on a broad range of issues, sufficient experience and background to have an appreciation of the issues facing the Company, a willingness to devote the necessary time to board duties, a commitment to representing the best interests of the Company and a dedication to enhancing shareholder value.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has six standing committees: an executive committee, an audit committee, a compensation committee, a nominating and governance committee, a finance committee and a sustainability committee. The members of each committee are appointed by the board of directors and serve until their successors are elected and qualified, unless
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they are earlier removed or they resign. Each of the committee reports to the board of directors as it deems appropriate and as the board may request. The composition, duties and responsibilities of the six standing committees are set forth below. In the future, our board of directors may establish other committees, as it deems appropriate, to assist it with its responsibilities.
Executive Committee
The board of directors has established an executive committee that oversees the management of the business and affairs of the Company. Paul Coulson, David Bourne, Michael Dick, Oliver Graham, Shaun Murphy and John Sheehan serve on the executive committee as of the date of this annual report, with Paul Coulson serving as the chair of the executive committee.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Edward White, Abigail Blunt, Yves Elsen, Elizabeth Marcellino, Damien O’Brien and The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede, with Edward White serving as the chair of the audit committee. All of our audit committee members are independent directors, in accordance with NYSE and the SEC requirements for a company listed on the NYSE.
Our audit committee, among other matters, oversees (1) our financial reporting, auditing and internal control activities; (2) the integrity and audits of our financial statements; (3) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (4) the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors; (5) the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors; and (6) our overall risk exposure and management. Duties of the audit committee include the following:
● | annually review and assess the adequacy of the audit committee charter and review the performance of the audit committee; |
● | be responsible for recommending the appointment, retention and termination of our independent auditors and determine the compensation of our independent auditors; |
● | review the plans and results of the audit engagement with the independent auditors; |
● | evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent auditors; |
● | have authority to approve in advance all audit and non-audit services by our independent auditors, the scope and terms thereof and the fees therefor; |
● | review the adequacy of our internal accounting controls; |
● | ensure the Company maintains a robust risk management function, including in respect of IT and cyber security risk management; and |
● | meet at least quarterly with our executive officers, internal audit staff and our independent auditors in separate executive sessions. |
The audit committee has the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and to retain counsel for this purpose where appropriate. Each of the audit committee members meets the financial literacy requirements of the NYSE listing standards and the board of directors has determined that Edward White qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in the rules of the SEC. The designation does not impose on the audit
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committee financial expert any duties, obligations or liabilities that are greater than those generally imposed on members of our audit committee and our board of directors. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee, which is available on our corporate website at https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/corporate/investors.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Paul Coulson, Damien O’Brien and Hermanus Troskie, with Paul Coulson serving as the chair of the compensation committee. As we are a controlled company under the rules of the NYSE, our compensation committee is not required to be independent, although if such rules change in the future or we no longer meet the definition of a controlled company under the current rules, we will adjust the composition of the compensation committee accordingly in order to comply with such rules.
The compensation committee has the sole authority to retain, and terminate, any compensation consultant to assist in the evaluation of employee compensation and to approve the consultant’s fees and the other terms and conditions of the consultant’s retention. The compensation committee, among other matters:
● | at the request of our board of directors, reviews and makes recommendations to our board of directors relating to management succession planning; |
● | administers, reviews and makes recommendations to our board of directors regarding our compensation plans; |
● | reviews and approves our corporate goals and objectives with respect to compensation for executive officers and, evaluates each executive officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives to set his or her annual compensation, including salary, bonus and equity and non-equity incentive compensation, subject to approval by our board of directors; and |
● | provides oversight of management’s decisions regarding the performance, evaluation and compensation of other officers. |
Nominating and Governance Committee
Our nominating and governance committee consists of Paul Coulson, Yves Elsen, Damien O’Brien and Hermanus Troskie, with Paul Coulson serving as the chair of the nominating and governance committee. As we are a controlled company under the rules of the NYSE, our nominating and governance committee is not required to be independent, although if such rules change in the future or we no longer meet the definition of a controlled company under the current rules, we will adjust the composition of our nominating and governance committee accordingly in order to comply with such rules. The nominating and governance committee, among other matters:
● | selects and recommends to the board of directors nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board; |
● | annually reviews with the board of directors the composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity of the board members; |
● | makes recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitor the functioning of the committees of the board; |
● | develops and recommends to our board of directors a set of corporate governance guidelines applicable to us and periodically reviews such guidelines and recommends changes to our board of directors for approval as necessary; and |
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● | oversees the annual self-evaluation of our board of directors. |
Finance Committee
Our finance committee consists of Paul Coulson, David Bourne, Cormac Maguire, Shaun Murphy, John Sheehan and Hermanus Troskie, with Paul Coulson serving as the chair of the finance committee. The finance committee, among other matters,
● | reviews and monitors the capital structure, financial policies and treasury function of the Company and makes recommendations to the board of directors in relation thereto; and |
● | reviews and recommends to the board of directors whether to approve financing agreements or arrangements, including plans to issue, incur, amend, repurchase, redeem or repay, as applicable, indebtedness. |
Sustainability Committee
The sustainability committee consists of Shaun Murphy, Abigail Blunt, David Bourne, Jennifer Cumbee, Oliver Graham, Elizabeth Marcellino and John Sheehan, with Shaun Murphy serving as the chair of the sustainability committee. The meetings of the sustainability committee are attended by the CEO’s of Metal Beverage Packaging Europe and Metal Beverage Packaging Americas and by Sustainability, People, Procurement and Investor Relations executives. The sustainability committee, among other matters:
● | assists the board of directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility for the Company’s environmental and social sustainability objectives; |
● | makes recommendations to the board of directors relating to environmental and social sustainability matters; |
● | develops and oversees the implementation of a sustainability strategy; and |
● | advises the board of directors periodically with regard to current and emerging environmental and social sustainability developments. |
Code of Conduct
Our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees and, as applicable, consultants and contractors. The code addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, company funds and assets, and confidentiality requirements and the process for reporting violations of the code, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Any waiver of the code with respect to any director or executive officer will be promptly disclosed and posted on our website. Amendments to the code will be promptly disclosed and posted on our website. The code is publicly available on our website at http://ardaghmetalpackaging.com/investors and in print to any shareholder who requests a copy.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Our board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines that serve as a framework within which our board of directors and its committees operate. These guidelines cover a number of areas including the composition of the board, board membership criteria and director qualifications, director responsibilities, board agenda, roles of the chairman of the board and the chief executive officer, meetings of independent directors, board member access to management and independent advisors, director communications with third parties, director compensation, director orientation and
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continuing education, evaluation of senior management and management succession planning. Our nominating and governance committee reviews our corporate governance guidelines periodically and, if necessary, recommends changes to our board of directors. Additionally, our board of directors has adopted independence standards as part of our corporate governance guidelines. A copy of our corporate governance guidelines are posted on our website at http://ardaghmetalpackaging.com/investors.
D. | Employees |
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 5,800 employees globally, of which approximately 3,200 were located in Europe, approximately 1,800 were located in the United States and approximately 800 employees were located in Brazil.
We strive to maintain a safe working environment for all of our employees, with safety in the workplace being a key objective, measured through individual accident reports, detailed follow-up programs and key performance indicator reporting. We believe that our safety record is among the best in the industry.
The health and safety of our 5,800 employees and their families and communities, as well as our contractors, suppliers and customers has been our highest priority since the outbreak of COVID-19. We established a Group-wide task force to ensure an effective and consistent response across our business. Regular updates have been issued and a dedicated intranet site established to facilitate effective communication of recommendations, policies and procedures. Communication with all stakeholders has been a core element in our response. Measures continue to evolve in line with best practice and with recommendations by national health authorities and the World Health Organization. Initiatives introduced to date have included: enhanced hygiene procedures in all locations, including temperature screening and increased cleaning in our production facilities; increased investment in personal protective equipment; adapting work practices and routines to ensure social distancing; establishing procedures for self-isolation; travel advisories including restrictions on all non-essential travel, prior to broader restrictions on any travel; restrictions on visitors to our production facilities or by our employees to external facilities; actively encouraging and ultimately requiring remote working for non-operational personnel, and enhancing our IT capability to facilitate increased remote working.
The majority of our employees are members of labor unions or are subject to centrally-negotiated collective agreements. We generally negotiate national contracts with our unions, with variations agreed at the local plant level. Most such labor contracts have a duration of one to two years. Our management believes that, overall, our current relations with our employees are good.
For the employees of our subsidiaries located in countries of the European Union we have established an EWC in compliance with EU directives. The EWC acts as a communications conduit and consultative body between our EU subsidiaries and our employees. All the elected EWC country employee representatives meet at least once a year and senior management attends an annual EWC Forum meeting.
The EWC has the right to be notified of any special circumstances that would have a major impact on the interests of employees. In order to facilitate this process in an efficient and effective way, the EWC has elected a Select Committee which meets at least four times a year with a senior management delegation to discuss any matters which are of interest for the EWC.
EWC delegates are elected for four-year terms on the basis of legal principles or practices in the relevant countries, while the allocation of EWC delegates between countries is governed by EU directives.
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E. | Share Ownership |
Included in Item 7.A.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
A. | Major shareholders |
Each shareholder is entitled to one vote per common share.
The following table shows the beneficial ownership of our outstanding Shares as of the approval date of the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report by:
• | each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding Shares; |
• | each executive officer or director of the Company; and |
• | all of the executive officers and directors of the Company as a group. |
Shares Beneficially Owned | ||||
Name of Beneficial Owner |
| Shares |
| % |
Ardagh Group S.A. (i) |
| 454,375,314 | 75.3% | |
Our directors and key management |
| |||
Paul Coulson (i) | 125,000 | * | ||
Shaun Murphy | * | * | ||
Oliver Graham | * | * | ||
Abigail Blunt | * | * | ||
Yves Elsen | * | * | ||
The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede | * | * | ||
Elizabeth Marcellino | * | * | ||
Damien O'Brien | * | * | ||
John Sheehan | * | * | ||
Hermanus Troskie | * | * | ||
Edward White | * | * | ||
David Bourne | * | * | ||
Michael Dick | * | * | ||
All directors and key management as a group | * | * |
(i) ARD Holdings S.A., which indirectly through its subsidiaries controls Ardagh Group S.A., may be deemed to be the ultimate beneficial owner of the Shares held by Ardagh Group S.A. ARD Holdings S.A. has approximately 400 record shareholders and a board of directors consisting of 9 directors. Paul Coulson, our Chairman, controls ARD Holdings S.A. as a result of his 19.24% stake in ARD Holdings S.A. and his 52.42% stake in Yeoman Capital S.A., which in turn owns 34.42% of the equity interests in ARD Holdings S.A. Other than the Shares reflected in the table above, Mr. Coulson has no direct ownership in Shares of AMPSA. However, based upon the definition of “beneficial owner” under U.S. securities laws, he may be deemed to have shared beneficial ownership of the Shares held by Ardagh Group S.A. by virtue of his control of ARD Holdings S.A. and Ardagh Group S.A.
* | Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent or no shares. |
As of December 31, 2021, the registrar and transfer agent for the Company reported that 147,890,384 of Shares were held by 115 record holders in the United States.
The Company is controlled by AGSA. As of December 31, 2021, AGSA has seven record shareholders and a board of directors consisting of 14 directors. The ultimate parent company of AGSA is ARD Holdings S.A.
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B. | Related Party Transactions |
Relationship with our parent company
Approximately 75% of our Shares are currently owned by AGSA, our parent company. AGSA continues to exercise control over the composition of our board of directors and any other action requiring the approval of our shareholders.
Business Combination Agreement
On February 22, 2021, GHV, AMPSA, AGSA and MergeCo entered into the Business Combination Agreement pursuant to which the Business Combination was consummated and, following the Merger of GHV with and into MergeCo, GHV became a direct wholly owned subsidiary of AMPSA.
In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, AGSA (i) retained an approximate 81.85% interest in AMPSA, (ii) received aggregate cash consideration of $2,315,000,000, paid upon the consummation of the AMP Transfer in cash and in equivalent U.S. dollars or euros (or a combination thereof) and $996,927,301.74, paid in cash at the closing of the Merger, and (c) has the right to receive, during the five-year period commencing 180 days after the closing of the Merger, up to 60,730,000 additional Shares in five equal installments if the price of Shares maintains for a certain period of time a volume weighted average price greater than or equal to $13.00, $15.00, $16.50, $18.00 and $19.50, as applicable.
The Business Combination Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, covenants, closing conditions, termination provisions and other terms relating to the transactions contemplated thereby.
Transfer Agreement
On February 22, 2021, AGSA and AMPSA entered into a Transfer Agreement, pursuant to which AGSA agreed to effect the AMP Transfer through a series of transactions that resulted in, among other things, AMPSA owning the AMP Business prior to April 1, 2021. The AMP Transfer was consummated on April 1, 2021.
The Transfer Agreement requires AMPSA to indemnify AGSA and its affiliates for losses arising from AMPSA’s business (including employee liabilities) and requires AGSA to indemnify AMPSA for losses arising from Ardagh Group’s business (including employee liabilities). The Transfer Agreement provides for other transactions, including the settlement of intercompany payables and receivables and the termination or transfer of various obligations and liabilities (including credit and support obligations) of the AMP Entities in favor of Ardagh Group’s business, and of Ardagh Group in favor of the AMPSA’s business.
In addition, the Transfer Agreement contains non-competition and employee non-solicitation obligations of both AMPSA and AGSA. For a period commencing at April 1, 2021 and ending on the earlier of (i) April 1, 2026 or (ii) the date on which AGSA no longer is the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the voting stock of AMPSA, AGSA and its subsidiaries (excluding any AMP Entity) will not engage in AMPSA’s business as conducted on the date of the Transfer Agreement with the exception of services provided under the Services Agreement, and AMPSA and its subsidiaries will not engage in Ardagh Group’s businesses as conducted on the date of the Transfer Agreement with the exception of services provided under the Services Agreement. For a period commencing at April 1, 2021 and ending on the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the closing of the Merger or (ii) the date on which AGSA no longer is the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the voting stock of AMPSA, none of AGSA or its subsidiaries (excluding any AMP Entity) will solicit for employment or hire any AMP Employee (as defined in the Transfer Agreement) with an annual base salary or wages greater than €150,000, subject to certain exceptions. Similarly, for the same period, none of AMPSA or its
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subsidiaries will solicit for employment or hire any employee of Ardagh Group with an annual base salary or wages greater than €150,000, subject to certain exceptions.
Services Agreement
In connection with the AMP Transfer, AGSA and AMPSA entered into a Services Agreement, pursuant to which AGSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, shall provide certain corporate and business-unit services to AMPSA and its subsidiaries, and AMPSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, shall provide certain corporate and business-unit services to AGSA and its affiliates (other than the AMP Entities). The services provided pursuant to the Services Agreement include typical corporate functional support areas in order to complement the activities in areas which exist within the AMPSA Group (as defined in the Services Agreement). For each calendar year from 2021 through 2024, as consideration for the corporate services provided by AGSA to AMPSA, AMPSA has provided and will provide corporate services to AGSA and has incurred an expense from AGSA of $33 million for the calendar year 2021 (prorated to reflect the timing of the completion of the AMP Transfer), and will incur an expense from AGSA of $38 million for calendar year 2022, $39 million for calendar year 2023 and $39 million for calendar year 2024. The fees for services pursuant to the Services Agreement are subject to adjustment for third party costs and variations for certain volume-based services. As of December 31, 2024, or if earlier, the date upon which AMPSA or AGSA undergoes a change of control, all corporate services provided pursuant to the Services Agreement will be provided at a price equal to the fully allocated cost of such services, or such other price to be negotiated in good faith by the parties, taking into consideration various factors, including the cost of providing such corporate services and the level of services expected to be provided.
Shareholders Agreement
In connection with the completion of the Merger, AGSA and AMPSA entered into the Shareholders Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, AGSA has the right to nominate nine directors to the AMPSA’s board of directors, of whom (i) one will initially be the current Chief Executive Officer of AGSA, who will serve as chairperson of the board; and (ii) at least three shall satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE. Two independent directors were appointed upon proposal for nomination by the GHV Sponsor as Class I directors pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement. In addition, for so long as AGSA holds at least 20% of the outstanding Shares, AGSA will also have the right to: (A) nominate a number of directors to the AMPSA’s board of directors at least proportional to the number of outstanding Shares owned by AGSA; (B) designate the chairperson of the board of directors of AMPSA (who need not be a nominee of AGSA); and (C) appoint a number of representatives to each committee of the board of AMPSA that is at least proportional to the number of outstanding Shares owned by AGSA. In addition, for so long as AGSA holds at least 40% of the outstanding Shares, the following actions may not be taken (or agreed to be taken) by AMPSA without the prior written consent of AGSA: (a) the sale of greater than 40% of the assets or voting securities of AMPSA (with certain exceptions); (b) voluntary liquidation or dissolution of AMPSA; (c) any amendment of AMPSA’s Articles that materially and adversely affects AGSA in its capacity as a shareholder; (d) relocation of AMPSA’s corporate headquarters; (e) change to AMPSA’s corporate name; or (f) any corporate action that would materially adversely affect any of the foregoing approval rights.
Subscription Agreements
In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, AMPSA and GHV entered into the Subscription Agreements with the Subscribers, pursuant to which the Subscribers agreed to subscribe for, and AMPSA agreed to issue to the Subscribers, an aggregate of 69,500,000 Shares, for a purchase price of $10.00 per share, for an aggregate cash amount of $695,000,000 (the “PIPE Shares”).
The issuance of the PIPE Shares pursuant to the Subscription Agreements was also contingent upon, among other customary closing conditions, the substantially concurrent consummation of the Merger, which occurred on August 4, 2021.
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Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, AMPSA filed on August 12, 2021 with the SEC (at AMPSA’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of the PIPE Shares, which was declared effective by the SEC on August 23, 2021.
Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement entered into by the GHV Sponsor (and joinders thereto entered into by certain investors), certain investors acquired 12,000,000 Shares.
Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement
In connection with the closing of the Merger, AMPSA, AGSA, GHV Sponsor, Gores Pipe, LLC and GHV’s independent directors (such directors, together with GHV Sponsor and Gores Pipe, LLC, the “Initial Stockholders”) entered into the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, which provides customary demand and piggyback registration rights. Pursuant to the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement, AMPSA agreed that, as soon as practicable, and in any event within 30 days after the closing of the Merger, which occurred on August 4, 2021, it will file with the SEC (at AMPSA’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of any outstanding Shares or any other equity security held by a party to the Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement and any other equity security of AMPSA issued or issuable with respect to any such Share by way of a dividend or stock split in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization or otherwise, and AMPSA will use its reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the 60th day (or the 90th day if the registration statement is reviewed by, and received comments from, the SEC) following the filing deadline. Such registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on August 23, 2021.
Subject to certain exceptions, including in connection with certain exchanges involving AGSA shareholders, AGSA was not permitted to transfer any Shares beneficially owned or owned of record by it and the Initial Stockholders were not permitted to transfer Shares or Warrants beneficially owned or owned of record by such Initial Stockholder during certain lock-up periods, which have expired.
Warrant Assignment, Assumption and Amendment Agreement
In connection with the closing of the Merger, AMPSA entered into a warrant assignment, assumption and amendment agreement with GHV, Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., to assume GHV’s obligations under the existing Warrant Agreement, dated August 10, 2020 with respect to the Warrants.
Indemnification Letter Agreement
On May 21, 2021, AMPSA entered into a letter agreement with AGSA, pursuant to which AGSA agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless AMPSA and its subsidiaries and their respective successors from and against any and all losses incurred prior to December 31, 2021 resulting from the cyber security incident that was discovered by AGSA in May 2021 and is further described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects —Cyber Security Incident” in this annual report. No claim submitted to AGSA after March 31, 2022 is eligible for indemnification pursuant to the letter agreement and in no event will AGSA’s aggregate liability for indemnification claims pursuant to the letter agreement exceed $150 million. The letter agreement incorporates by reference, among other things, the limitations on indemnification and procedures for seeking indemnification contained in the Transfer Agreement.
Related Party Transactions
For additional information, see “note 25 – Related Party Information” to the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
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There have been no materially significant related party transactions in the period since the date of approval of the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
Policy Concerning Related Person Transactions
Our board of directors has adopted a written policy, which we refer to as the related party transactions policy, for the review of any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we are a participant, if the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and one of our executive officers, directors or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Shares (or their immediate family members), each of whom we refer to as a related person, has a direct or indirect material interest.
C. | Interests of experts and counsel |
Not Applicable
Item 8. Financial Information
A. | Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
See Item 18. of this annual report for consolidated financial statements.
Legal or arbitration proceedings
We become involved from time to time in various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, such as employee claims, disputes with our suppliers, environmental liability claims and intellectual property disputes.
The Group is involved in certain other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. The Group believes that none of these proceedings, either individually or in aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends on our Shares to date. We intend to issue cash dividends on our Shares on a quarterly basis in 2022. Decisions in relation to future dividend policy will be determined by our board of directors.
B. | Significant Changes |
There have been no significant changes since the approval date of the financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
A. | Offer and listing details |
Our Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “AMBP”.
B. | Plan of distribution |
Not applicable
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C. | Markets |
Our Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “AMBP”.
D. | Selling shareholders |
Not applicable
E. | Dilution |
Not applicable
F. | Expenses of the issue |
Not applicable
Item 10. Additional Information
A. | Share Capital |
Not Applicable
B. | Memorandum and articles of association |
The information set forth in Exhibit 2.6 “Description of Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act” is incorporated herein by reference.
C. | Material contracts |
For more information concerning our material contracts, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”.
D. | Exchange controls |
There are no legislative or other legal provisions currently in force in Luxembourg or arising under the Company’s Articles that restrict the export or import of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by our affiliated companies, or that restrict the payment of dividends to holders of the common shares not resident in Luxembourg, except for regulations restricting the remittance of dividends and other payments in compliance with United Nations and EU sanctions. There are no limitations, either under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or in the Articles, on the right of non-Luxembourg nationals to hold or vote the common shares.
E. | Taxation |
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following summary is a discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our Shares and warrants (collectively, the “AMPSA Securities”) by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion deals only with U.S. Holders who hold AMPSA Securities as capital assets (generally, property held for investment) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, this discussion assumes that U.S. Holders are qualified “residents of a Contracting State” as defined in Article 4 of the U.S.—Luxembourg Income Tax Treaty. This
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discussion is based on the tax laws of the United States, including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial decisions thereof, in each case as in effect on the date hereof. All of the foregoing authorities are subject to change, which change could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below. There can be no assurance that the United States Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) or U.S. courts will agree with the tax consequences described in this discussion.
This discussion does not cover all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to an investor in light of such investor’s particular circumstances, including the potential application of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income or the alternative minimum tax, any U.S. federal tax consequences other than U.S. federal income tax consequences (such as U.S. federal gift or estate tax consequences), or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to investors subject to special treatment (such as banks or other financial institutions; insurance companies; tax-exempt entities; regulated investment companies; real estate investment trusts; investors liable for the alternative minimum tax; U.S. expatriates; dealers in securities or currencies; traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting; any entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors therein; persons that directly, indirectly or constructively own 10% or more of the Company’s equity interests; investors that will hold AMPSA Securities as part of straddles, hedging transactions or conversion transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or U.S. Holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar).
No ruling has been or will be requested from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding any matter affecting us or our shareholders. The statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court.
As used herein, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of AMPSA Securities that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) a corporation (or any other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created in or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust, if (a) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) a valid election is in place to treat the trust as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If any entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes invests in AMPSA Securities, the U.S. tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Investors that are partnerships or partners in partnerships should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of AMPSA Securities.
THE SUMMARY OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ALL INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, OWNING AND DISPOSING AMPSA SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW.
Distributions
In the event we make distributions (and subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below), distributions made on our Shares (without reduction for any Luxembourg taxes withheld) generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s gross income as ordinary income from foreign sources to the extent such distributions are paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), in the taxable year in which the distribution is actually or constructively received. Generally, distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the disposition of our Shares.
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Subject to certain holding period requirements and other conditions, dividends paid to individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders of our Shares may be eligible for the special reduced rate normally applicable to long term capital gains if the dividends are “qualified dividends” for U.S. federal income tax purpose. Dividends received with respect to our Shares may be qualified dividends if (a) our Shares are readily tradable on the NYSE, or (b) the Company is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the IRS has approved for purposes of the qualified dividend rules, and certain other requirements are met. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends received with respect to our Shares will not be qualified dividends if (i) the Company was a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) under Code section 1297(a) during the year in which the dividend is paid or the prior taxable year or (ii) the Company becomes a “surrogate foreign corporation” under Code section 7874(a)(2)(B) (other than a surrogate foreign corporation treated as a domestic corporation). Accordingly, provided that we are not and do not become a PFIC or a “surrogate foreign corporation,” dividends on our Shares will be qualified dividends so long as our Shares are listed on NYSE. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the preferential rate on dividends to their particular circumstances. Distributions received on our Shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
Any dividends the Company pays to U.S. Holders generally will constitute non-U.S. source “passive category” income for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Subject to certain limitations, any Luxembourg tax withheld with respect to distributions made on our Shares may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. Alternatively, a U.S. Holder may, subject to applicable limitations, elect to deduct the otherwise creditable Luxembourg withholding taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and involve the application of rules that depend upon a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances. Accordingly, a U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under its particular circumstances.
Sale, Exchange or other Taxable Disposition
Subject to the discussion under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the AMPSA Securities in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the U.S. dollar value of the amount realized on such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and its adjusted tax basis in the AMPSA Securities. The adjusted tax basis in AMPSA Securities generally will be equal to the cost of such AMPSA Securities. The capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. Holder has held their shares and/or warrants for more than one year at the time of disposition. In the case of non-corporate U.S. Holders, long-term capital gain generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations. Gain or loss, if any, that a U.S. Holder realizes upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of the AMPSA Securities generally will be treated as having a U.S. source for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Exercise or Lapse of Our Warrants
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below in “—Passive Foreign Investment Company” and except as discussed below with respect to the cashless exercise of our warrants, a U.S. Holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of our warrants for cash. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our Shares received upon exercise of our warrants generally should be an amount equal to the sum of (i) the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our warrants exchanged therefor and (ii) the exercise price. The U.S. Holder’s holding period for shares received upon exercise of our warrants will begin on the date following the date of exercise (or possibly the date of exercise) of our warrants and will not include the period during which the U.S. Holder held our warrants. If our warrants are allowed to lapse unexercised, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize a capital loss equal to such holder’s tax basis in such lapsed warrants.
The tax consequences of a cashless exercise of our warrants are not clear under current U.S. federal income tax law. A cashless exercise may be tax-deferred, either because the exercise is not a realization event or because the exercise is treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In either tax-deferred situation, a U.S. Holder’s basis
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in our Shares received would equal the holder’s basis in the warrants exercised therefor. If the cashless exercise were treated as not being a realization event, it is unclear whether a U.S. Holder’s holding period for our Shares would be treated as commencing on the date of exercise of the warrants or the day following the date of exercise of the warrants. If the cashless exercise were treated as a recapitalization, the holding period of our Shares would include the holding period of the warrants exercised therefore.
It is also possible that a cashless exercise of our warrants could be treated in part as a taxable exchange in which gain or loss would be recognized. In such event, a U.S. Holder would recognize gain or loss with respect to the portion of the exercised warrants treated as surrendered to pay the exercise price of our warrants (the “Surrendered Warrants”). The U.S. Holder would recognize capital gain or loss with respect to the Surrendered Warrants in an amount generally equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of our warrants deemed surrendered and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Surrendered Warrants. In this case, a U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our Shares received would equal the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in our warrants exercised (meaning, the warrants disposed of by the U.S. Holder in the cashless exercise, other than the Surrendered Warrants) and the exercise price of such warrants. It is unclear whether a U.S. Holder’s holding period for our Shares would commence on the date of exercise of the warrants or the day following the date of exercise of the warrants.
Due to the absence of authority on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a cashless exercise of warrants, there can be no assurance which, if any, of the alternative tax consequences and holding periods described above would be adopted by the IRS or a court of law. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of a cashless exercise of our warrants.
Possible Constructive Distributions
The terms of our warrants provide for an adjustment to the number of our Shares for which our warrants may be exercised or to the exercise price of our warrants in certain events. An adjustment which has the effect of preventing dilution generally is not taxable. A U.S. Holder of our warrants would, however, be treated as receiving a constructive distribution from us if, for example, the adjustment increases the holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits (e.g., through an increase in the number of our Shares that would be obtained upon exercise of such warrant) as a result of a distribution of cash to the holders of our Shares which is taxable to the U.S. Holders of such shares as described under “—Distributions” above. Such constructive distribution would be subject to tax as described under that section in the same manner as if the U.S. Holder of such warrant received a cash distribution from us equal to the fair market value of such increased interest.
Passive Foreign Investment Company & Surrogate Foreign Corporation Status
The Company believes it was not a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the 2021 taxable year and based on the nature of the Company’s business, the projected composition of the Company’s income and the projected composition and estimated fair market values of the Company’s assets, the Company does not expect to be a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes in 2022 or in the foreseeable future. However, the determination of whether the Company is a PFIC is made annually, after the close of the relevant taxable year. Therefore, it is possible that the Company could be classified as a PFIC depending on, among other things, changes in the nature of the Company’s business, composition of its assets or income, as well as changes in its market capitalization. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will not be a PFIC in any given taxable year.
A non-U.S. corporation generally will be a PFIC for U.S. federal tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after taking into account the income and assets of the corporation and certain subsidiaries pursuant to applicable look-through rules, either:
(i) | at least 75% of its gross income is “passive income”; or |
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(ii) | at least 50% of the average quarterly value of its gross assets (which may be determined in part by the market value of our Shares, which is subject to change) is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of “passive income”. |
Passive income for this purpose generally includes but is not limited to dividends, interest, royalties, rents and certain gains from commodities (other than commodities sold in an active trade or business) and securities transactions.
If the Company were to be treated as a PFIC in any taxable year, in addition to certain form filing requirements, U.S. Holders of the AMPSA Securities generally would be subject to additional taxes (including taxation at ordinary income rates and an interest charge) under the PFIC excess distribution rule on any “excess distributions” received from the Company and on any gain realized from a sale or other disposition of such AMPSA Securities, regardless of whether the Company continues to be a PFIC in the year such distribution is received or gain is realized. A U.S. Holder would be treated as receiving an excess distribution in a taxable year to the extent that distributions on the shares during that year exceed 125% of the average amount of distributions received during the three preceding taxable years (or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period in the shares). Gain on the disposition of the AMPSA Securities will be subject to taxation in the same manner as an excess distribution (including taxation at ordinary income rates), described immediately above.
If, contrary to current expectations, the Company was a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, certain elections (such as a mark-to-market election) may be available to U.S. Holders with respect to the shares that may mitigate some of the adverse tax consequences resulting from PFIC treatment.
The Company believes it was not a surrogate foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes in the 2021 taxable year and furthermore the Company does not expect to be a surrogate foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes in 2022 or in the foreseeable future. However, the determination of whether the Company is a surrogate foreign corporation is made on a real-time basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Company will not be a surrogate foreign corporation in any given taxable year.
A non-U.S. corporation generally will be a surrogate foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes following a transaction under which:
(i) | it acquires (after March 4, 2003) substantially all of the properties held by a U.S. corporation; |
(ii) | after the acquisition, the U.S. corporation’s former shareholders own at least 60 percent of the stock (by vote or value) of the foreign acquiring corporation; and |
(iii) | the expanded affiliated group that includes the foreign acquiring corporation does not have substantial business activities in the country where the foreign acquiring corporation is organized or created compared to the total business activities of the expanded affiliated group. |
U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the Company’s possible PFIC and/or surrogate foreign corporation status and the consequences to them if the Company were a PFIC and/or surrogate foreign corporation for any taxable year.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, payments of dividends and proceeds from the sale or other disposition, with respect to the AMPSA Securities held by a U.S. Holder may be required to be reported to the IRS unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient and, when required, demonstrates this fact. In addition, a U.S. Holder that is not an exempt recipient may be subject to backup withholding (currently at a rate of 24%) unless it provides a taxpayer identification number and otherwise complies
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with applicable certification requirements. U.S. Holders who are required to establish their exempt status generally must provide an IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) or applicable substitute form.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle a U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the appropriate information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult with their tax advisors regarding the application of the U.S. information reporting and backup withholding regime.
Foreign Financial Asset Reporting
Certain non-corporate U.S. Holders are required to report information with respect to investments in AMPSA Securities not held through an account with certain financial institutions. U.S. Holders that fail to report required information could become subject to substantial penalties. Potential investors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about these and any other reporting obligations arising from their investment in AMPSA Securities.
Material Luxembourg Tax Considerations
The following is a general description of certain Luxembourg tax considerations relating to AMPSA and the holders of Shares or Warrants. It does not purport to be a complete analysis of all tax considerations in relation to the Shares or Warrants. Prospective purchasers should consult their own tax advisers as to which countries’ tax laws could be relevant to acquiring, holding and disposing of the securities and the consequences of such actions under the tax laws of those countries. This overview is based upon the law as in effect on the date of this document and is subject to any change in law that may take effect after such date, even with retroactive effect.
The comments below are intended as a basic overview of certain tax consequences in relation to AMPSA and the purchase, ownership and disposition of Shares or Warrants under Luxembourg Law. Tax matters are complex, and the tax consequences of the offering to a particular holder of Shares or Warrants will depend in part on such holder’s circumstances. Accordingly, a holder is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the offering to him or her, including the applicability and effect of Luxembourg tax laws.
The summary in this Luxembourg taxation paragraph does not address the Luxembourg tax consequences for a holder of Shares or Warrants who:
(i) | is an investor as defined in a specific law (such as the law on family wealth management companies of 11 May 2007, as amended, the law on undertakings for collective investment of 17 December 2010, as amended, the law on specialized investment funds of 13 February 2007, as amended, the law on reserved alternative investment funds of 23 July 2016, the law on securitisation of 22 March 2004, as amended, the law on venture capital vehicles of 15 June 2004, as amended and the law on pension saving companies and associations of 13 July 2005; |
(ii) | is a Luxembourg resident individual; |
(iii) | is, in whole or in part, exempt from tax; or |
(iv) | acquires, owns or disposes of Shares or Warrants in connection with a membership of a management board, a supervisory board, an employment relationship, a deemed employment relationship or management role. |
Where in this summary English terms and expressions are used to refer to Luxembourg tax concepts, the meaning to be attributed to such terms and expressions shall be the meaning to be attributed to the equivalent Luxembourg concepts under Luxembourg Law.
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Taxation of AMPSA
AMPSA is subject to Luxembourg tax on its worldwide profits, subject to the provisions of applicable tax treaties, at the current combined ordinary rate of 24.94% for Luxembourg City, including the 17% corporate income tax, a 6.75% municipal business tax and a solidarity surcharge (together the “Income Tax”).
In principle, dividends and capital gains realized by AMPSA are subject to Income Tax in Luxembourg. However, provided the conditions of the Luxembourg participation exemption regime are met, dividends and capital gains realized by AMPSA upon the disposal of shares are not taxable in Luxembourg. Capital gains realized in relation to a participation qualifying for the Luxembourg participation exemption may, however, be taxable up to the amount of expenses or value adjustments in recapture, i.e. expenses economically connected to an exempt participation, which have been deducted from the tax base of the Luxembourg company. Certain general, as well as specific, anti-abuse provisions may apply.
Luxembourg net wealth tax (“NWT”) will be due annually by AMPSA at the rate of 0.5% on its total net asset value below or equal to €500 million. The tranche above €500 million will be taxed at a rate of 0.05%.
Shareholdings qualifying for the Luxembourg participation exemption regime are excluded from the NWT basis provided that, the relevant entity holds a direct shareholding in a qualifying subsidiary representing at least 10% of the qualifying subsidiary’s share capital or having an acquisition cost (including both share capital and share premium) of at least €1.2 million; there is no minimum holding period requirement.
Companies for which the sum of fixed financial assets (i.e., financial assets notably including shares and loans, transferable securities and cash) exceeds 90% of their total balance sheet and €350,000 are liable to a minimum annual NWT of €4,815. Other companies are liable to a minimum progressive tax (in an amount up to €32,100), depending on the total assets on their balance sheet.
Withholding taxation
Any dividends distributed by AMPSA will in principle be subject to a 15% withholding tax unless an exemption or a treaty reduction applies.
The concept “dividends distributed by AMPSA” as used in this Luxembourg taxation paragraph includes, but is not limited to, distributions in cash or in kind, proceeds paid by AMPSA upon a redemption or repurchase of ordinary Shares and repayments of capital.
Luxembourg taxation of the holders
Luxembourg tax residence of the holders
Holders will not be deemed to be resident, domiciled or carrying on business in Luxembourg for income tax purposes solely by reason of holding, execution, performance, delivery, exchange and/or enforcement of the Shares or Warrants.
Taxation of Luxembourg non-residents
Holders who are non-residents of Luxembourg and who do not have a permanent establishment, a permanent representative, or a fixed place of business in Luxembourg with which the holding of the Shares or Warrants is connected, are not liable to any Luxembourg income tax (other than a tax potentially levied by way of withholding at source), whether they receive payments upon redemption or repurchase of all Shares or Warrants, or realize capital gains on the sale of any Shares or Warrants, unless they sell a participation of more than 10% in the capital of AMPSA within 6 months of its
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acquisition or they have been a resident of Luxembourg for tax purposes for at least 15 years and have become a non-resident within the five years preceding the realization of the gain, in both cases subject to the provisions of applicable tax treaties.
Taxation of Luxembourg residents
Holders who are Luxembourg resident companies (société de capitaux) or foreign entities which have a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in Luxembourg with which the holding of the Shares or Warrants is connected, must include in their taxable income any income (including dividends) and the difference between the sale or redemption price and the tax book value of the Shares or Warrants sold or redeemed, unless for Shares the conditions of the Luxembourg participation exemption regime are met.
Net Wealth Tax
Luxembourg net wealth tax will not be levied on the Shares or Warrants held by a corporate holder, unless: (a) such holder is a Luxembourg resident or (b) such Shares or Warrants are attributable to an enterprise or part thereof which is carried on by a non-resident company in Luxembourg through a permanent establishment. Shares qualifying for the Luxembourg participation exemption regime are excluded from the NWT basis.
Other Taxes
No registration tax will be payable by a holder of Shares or Warrants upon the disposal of Shares or Warrants by sale or exchange. The issuance as well as the redemption of shares by a Luxembourg resident company as well as any other changes to its articles of association are subject to a fixed registration tax in Luxembourg amounting to EUR 75. Registration duties may, moreover, be due if documents relating to the Shares or Warrants are (i) voluntarily registered in Luxembourg, (ii) appended to a document that requires obligatory registration in Luxembourg or (iii) deposited with the official records of a Luxembourg notary.
There is no Luxembourg value added tax payable in respect of payments in consideration for the issuance of the Shares or Warrants or in respect of the payment under the Shares or Warrants or in respect of the transfer of the Shares and/or Warrants. Luxembourg value added tax may, however, be payable in respect of fees charged for certain services rendered to AMPSA if, for Luxembourg value added tax purposes, such services are rendered or are deemed to be rendered in Luxembourg and an exemption from Luxembourg value added tax does not apply with respect to such services.
No Luxembourg inheritance tax is levied on the transfer of the Shares or Warrants upon the death of a holder in cases where the deceased was not a resident of Luxembourg for inheritance tax purposes. Where a holder is a resident or a deemed resident of Luxembourg for at the time of his or her death, the Shares or Warrants are included in his taxable estate for inheritance tax assessment purposes. No Luxembourg gift tax will be levied on the transfer of the Shares or Warrants by way of gift unless the gift is registered in Luxembourg.
F. | Dividends and paying agents |
Not applicable
G. | Statement by experts |
Not applicable
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H. | Documents on display |
We are subject to certain of the informational filing requirements of the Exchange Act. Since we are a “foreign private issuer,” we are exempt from the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act, with respect to their purchase and sale of our equity securities. In addition, we are not required to file reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. However, we are required to file with the SEC an Annual Report on Form 20-F containing financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm within four months after the end of each fiscal year. We also intend to issue quarterly earnings press releases as soon as practicable after the end of each quarter and quarterly reports containing interim unaudited financial statements within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter. Information filed with or furnished to the SEC by us will be available on our website.
The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and other information that we file with or furnish electronically with the SEC.
I. | Subsidiary Information |
Not applicable
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The statements about market risk below relate to our historical financial information included in this annual report.
Interest Rate
At December 31, 2021, the Group’s external borrowings were 100% fixed, with a weighted average interest rate of 3.3%. At December 31, 2020, the business’ related party borrowings were 100% fixed. As a result, interest rate movements would not have a material impact on either the profit or loss or shareholders equity.
Currency Exchange Risk
The Group presents its consolidated financial information in U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company is the euro.
The Group operates in 9 countries, across three continents and its main currency exposure in the year to December 31, 2021, from the euro functional currency, was in relation to the U.S. dollar, British pound and Brazilian real. Currency exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognized assets and liabilities, and net investments in foreign operations.
As a result of the consolidated financial statements being presented in U.S dollar, the Group’s results are also impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate versus the euro.
The Group has a limited level of transactional currency exposure arising from sales or purchases by operating units in currencies other than their functional currencies.
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The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk. Currency exposure arising from the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations is managed primarily through borrowings and swaps denominated in the Group’s principal foreign currencies.
Fluctuations in the value of these currencies with respect to the euro functional currency may have a significant impact on the Group’s financial condition and results of operations. The Group believes that a strengthening of the euro exchange rate (the functional currency) by 1% against all other foreign currencies from the December 31, 2021 rate would decrease shareholders’ equity by approximately $3 million (2020: $5 million increase).
Commodity Price Risk
The Group is exposed to changes in prices of our main raw materials, primarily aluminum and energy. Production costs are exposed to changes in prices of our main raw materials, primarily aluminum. Aluminum ingot is traded daily as a commodity on the London Metal Exchange, which has historically been subject to significant price volatility. Because aluminum is priced in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/ euro rate also affect the euro cost of aluminum ingot. The price and foreign currency risk on the aluminum purchases in Europe and Americas are hedged where required by entering into swaps under which we pay fixed euro and U.S. dollar prices, respectively. Furthermore, the relative price of oil and its by-products may materially impact our business, affecting our transport, lacquer and ink costs.
Where we do not have pass through contracts in relation to the underlying metal raw material cost, the Group uses derivative agreements to manage this risk. The Group depends on an active liquid market and available credit lines with counterparty banks to cover this risk. The use of derivative contracts to manage our risk is dependent on robust hedging procedures. Increasing raw material costs over time has the potential, if we are unable to pass on price increases, to reduce sales volume and could therefore have a significant impact on our financial condition. The Group is also exposed to possible interruptions of supply of aluminum and steel or other raw materials and any inability to purchase raw materials could negatively impact our operations.
As a result of the volatility of gas and electricity prices, the Group has either included energy pass through clauses in our sales contracts or developed an active hedging strategy to fix a significant proportion of our energy costs through contractual arrangements directly with our suppliers and/or banks, where there is no energy clause in the sales contract.
Where pass through contracts do not exist, the Group policy is to purchase gas and electricity by entering into forward price fixing arrangements with suppliers for the majority of our anticipated requirements for the year ahead. Such contracts are used exclusively to obtain delivery of our anticipated energy supplies. The Group does not net settle, nor do we sell within a short period of time after taking delivery. The Group avails of the own use exemption and, therefore, these contracts are treated as executory contracts.
The Group typically builds up these contractual positions in tranches of approximately 10% of the anticipated volumes. Any gas and electricity which is not purchased under forward price fixing arrangements is purchased under index tracking contracts or at spot prices. Where entering forward price-fixing arrangements with suppliers is not practical, the Group may use derivative agreements with counterparty banks to cover the risk. As at December 31, 2021, we have 76% and 36% of our energy risk covered for 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Credit Risk
Credit risk arises from derivative contracts, cash and investments held with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to the Group’s customers, including outstanding receivables. Group policy is to invest excess liquidity, only with recognized and reputable financial institutions. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of “BBB+” from at least two credit rating agencies are accepted, where possible. The credit ratings of banks and financial institutions are monitored to ensure compliance with Group policy. Risk of default is
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
101
controlled within a policy framework of dealing with high quality institutions and by limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one bank or institution.
Group policy is to extend credit to customers of good credit standing. Credit risk is managed on an ongoing basis, by experienced people within the Group. The Group’s policy for the management of credit risk in relation to trade receivables involves periodically assessing the financial reliability of customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. Provisions are made, where deemed necessary, and the utilization of credit limits is regularly monitored. Management does not expect any significant counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each asset. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 58% of total revenues (2020: 64%; 2019: 65%). There is no recent history of default with these customers.
Surplus cash held by the operating entities over and above the balance required for working capital management is transferred to Group Treasury, where practically possible. Group Treasury invests surplus cash in interest-bearing current accounts, money market funds and bank time deposits with appropriate maturities to provide sufficient headroom as determined by the below-mentioned forecasts.
Liquidity Risk
The Group is exposed to liquidity risk which arises primarily from the maturing of short term and long term debt obligations and from the normal liquidity cycle of the business throughout the course of a year. The Group’s policy is to ensure that sufficient resources are available either from cash balances, cash flows or undrawn committed bank facilities, to ensure all obligations can be met as they fall due.
To effectively manage liquidity risk, the Group:
● | has committed borrowing facilities that it can access to meet liquidity needs; |
● | maintains cash balances and liquid investments with highly-rated counterparties; |
● | limits the maturity of cash balances; |
● | borrows the bulk of its debt needs under long term fixed rate debt securities; and |
● | has internal control processes to manage liquidity risk. |
Cash flow forecasting is performed in the operating entities of the Group and is aggregated by Group Treasury. Group Treasury monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom on its undrawn committed borrowing facilities at all times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants on any of its borrowing facilities. Such forecasting takes into consideration the Group’s debt financing plans.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
102
Part II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
A. | Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
Management maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.’s controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
Management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of December 31, 2021. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021 so as to provide reasonable assurance that (1) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
B. | Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting |
This annual report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.
C. Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm, due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for newly public companies.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
103
D. | Changes in internal control over financial reporting |
During the period covered by this report, management has not made any changes to our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16. Reserved
Item 16A. Audit committee financial expert
Our board of directors has determined that Edward White is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC Item 16A of Form 20-F. All members of the audit committee are independent directors as defined in the NYSE corporate governance standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
Our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees, consultants and contractors. The code addresses, among other things, competition and fair dealing, conflicts of interest, financial matters and external reporting, compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, company funds and assets, confidentiality and the process for reporting violations of the code, employee misconduct, conflicts of interest or other violations. Any waiver of the code with respect to any director or executive officer will be promptly disclosed and posted on our website. Amendments to the code must be approved by our board of directors and will be promptly disclosed and posted on our website.
The code is publicly available on our website at https://www.ardaghmetalpackaging.com/corporate/investors and in print to any shareholder who requests a copy.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PricewaterhouseCoopers have acted as our principal accountants for the years ended December 31, 2021.
The following table summarizes the total amounts for professional fees rendered in those periods:
Year ended | ||
December 31, | ||
| 2021 | |
(in $ millions) | ||
Audit services fees |
| 4 |
Audit-related services fees |
| 1 |
Tax services fees | 1 | |
Total |
| 6 |
Audit Services Fees
Audit services are defined as standard audit work that needs to be performed each year in order to issue opinions on our consolidated financial statements and to issue reports on our local financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
104
Audit-Related Services Fees
Audit-related fees include services such as auditing of non-recurring transactions, reviews of quarterly financial results, consents and comfort letters and any other audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings.
Tax Services Fees
Tax services relate to the aggregated fees for services on tax compliance.
The Company’s audit committee approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services performed for the Company by its independent auditor in advance of an engagement. All auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent auditor must be approved by the audit committee in advance, subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit.
All audit-related service fees and tax service fees were approved by the audit committee.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
No exemptions from the listing standards for our audit committee
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable
Item 16F. Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
We are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE by virtue of being a “foreign private issuer.” Although our foreign private issuer status exempts us from most of the NYSE’s corporate governance requirements, we intend to voluntarily comply with these requirements, except those from which we would be exempt by virtue of being a “controlled company.” Ardagh Group controls, directly or indirectly, a majority of the voting power of our issued and outstanding Shares and we are therefore a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards (pursuant to Section 303A of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual), entitled to certain limited corporate governance exemptions. Under these NYSE standards, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
● | a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors; |
● | the nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; |
● | the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
105
● | there be an annual performance evaluation of the nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. |
As a controlled company, we utilize certain of these exemptions, including that although we have adopted charters for our audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees, our compensation and nominating and governance committees are not composed entirely of independent directors.
As a result of the foregoing exemptions, we can cease voluntary compliance at any time, and our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable
Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable
Part III
Item 17. Financial Statements
See Item 18
Item 18. Financial Statements
See the Consolidated Financial Statements from F-1 – F-70.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
106
Item 19. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report:
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
107
| Exhibit Index |
| |
---|---|---|---|
4.6 | |||
4.7 | |||
4.8# | |||
4.9 | |||
4.10 | |||
4.11 | |||
8.1 | |||
12.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) -– Section 302 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer | ||
12.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) -– Section 302 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer | ||
13.1 | 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - Section 906 - Certification of Chief Executive Officer | ||
13.2 | 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - Section 906 - Certification of Chief Financial Officer | ||
101 | Interactive Data Files (XBRL – Related Documents) | ||
+ | Certain identified information has been excluded from the exhibit because it is both (i) not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. Exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and will be supplementally provided to the SEC upon request. |
# Certain schedules, annexes and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, but will be furnished supplementally to the SEC upon request.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
108
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Date: March 4, 2022
| Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. | |||
By: | /s/ DAVID BOURNE | |||
Name: | David Bourne | |||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
109
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-2
Accounting for the merger with Gores Holdings V. under IFRS 2
As described in Notes 1, 21 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements, on August 4, 2021, the Company consummated a merger with Gores Holdings V Inc., a US listed special purpose acquisition company (“GHV”). Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, all shares of GHV Class A outstanding common stock were contributed to AMPSA in exchange for newly issued AMPSA shares. Management exercised significant judgment when accounting for the transaction under IFRS 2 Share-based Payment (“IFRS 2”). Management used the market value of the GHV equity and warrants as the basis for estimating the market value of the instruments to be issued by AMPSA in exchange for the shares and warrants in GHV. All warrants previously exercisable for the purchase of shares in GHV were converted into AMPSA warrants and recognized as a financial liability measured at fair value. For the warrants issued to former sponsors of GHV (“Private Warrants”) a valuation was performed for the purpose of determining the financial liability. The valuation applied a Black Scholes model and key assumptions of the model included volatility and risk-free rate. The difference in the fair value of the equity instruments issued by AMPSA, over the fair value of the identifiable net assets of GHV represents the cost of the service for listing the shares of AMPSA and totaled $205 million at the closing date of the merger.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the accounting for the merger with Gores Holdings V. under IFRS 2 is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment exercised by management in 1) concluding that the accounting for the transaction was within the scope of IFRS 2, 2) determining the market value of the instruments to be issued by AMPSA and 3) estimating the fair value of the GHV Private Warrants assumed including the significant assumptions of volatility and risk-free rate. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures to evaluate management’s accounting for the transaction and reasonableness of the fair value estimates. In addition, the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in performing these procedures and evaluating the audit evidence obtained.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, reading the relevant agreements and assessing management’s conclusions of the accounting treatment of the transaction. Procedures to assess the valuation of the GHV Private Warrants included developing an independent point estimate, testing the underlying data used in the calculations and evaluating the significant assumptions, including volatility and risk-free rate. Evaluating management’s estimates of the instruments to be issued by AMPSA involved (i) comparing significant estimates to external market data, and (ii) assessing whether these assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Other procedures performed included testing management’s process for calculating the market value of the GHV net assets. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of management’s accounting conclusions and of the fair value calculation model and the significant assumptions related to volatility and risk-free rate.
/s/
March 4, 2022
We have served as the Company's or its predecessor’s auditor since 2020
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-3
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Year ended December 31, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 | Year ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Before | Before | Before | ||||||||||||||||||
exceptional | Exceptional | exceptional | Exceptional | exceptional | Exceptional | |||||||||||||||
items | items | Total | items | items | Total | items | items | Total | ||||||||||||
| Note |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Note 5 | Note 5 | Note 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | 4 | | — | | | — | | | — | | ||||||||||
Cost of sales |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Gross profit |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Sales, general and administration expenses |
|
|
| ( | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |
Intangible amortization |
| 10 |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
Operating profit |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
Net finance expense |
| 6 |
| ( | ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | |
(Loss)/profit before tax |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax charge |
| 7 |
| ( | |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( | |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
(Loss)/profit attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders | ( | | ( | |||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/profit for the year | ( | | ( | |||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share attributable to equity holders | 8 | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-4
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Note |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Other comprehensive income/(expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– Arising in the year |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| | |||
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– New fair value adjustments into reserve |
|
|
| |
| |
| ( |
– Movement out of reserve to income statement |
|
|
| — |
| — |
| ( |
– Movement in deferred tax |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| |
| |
| ( | |||
Loss recognized on cost of hedging |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– New fair value adjustments into reserve |
|
|
| — |
| — |
| ( |
– Movement out of reserve |
|
|
| — |
| — |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
| ( | |||
Items that will not be reclassified to income statement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
– Re-measurement of employee benefit obligations |
| 20 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
– Deferred tax movement on employee benefit obligations |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Attributable to: | ||||||||
Equity holders | ( | | ( | |||||
Non-controlling interests | — | — | — | |||||
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year | ( | | ( |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-5
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Note |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
| 10 |
| |
| |
Property, plant and equipment |
| 11 |
| |
| |
Derivative financial instruments |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Deferred tax assets |
| 12 |
| |
| |
Employee benefit assets | 20 | | — | |||
Other non-current assets |
|
| |
| | |
| |
| | |||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
| 13 |
| |
| |
Trade and other receivables |
| 14 |
| |
| |
Contract assets |
| 15 |
| |
| |
Derivative financial instruments |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| 16 |
| |
| |
| |
| | |||
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
|
| |
| |
Equity attributable to owners of the parent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invested capital attributable to the AMP business |
|
|
| — |
| |
Issued capital | 17 | | — | |||
Share premium | 17 | | — | |||
Other reserves | 24 | ( | ( | |||
Retained earnings | ( | — | ||||
| | |||||
Non-controlling interests | — | — | ||||
TOTAL EQUITY |
|
|
| |
| |
Non-current liabilities | ||||||
Borrowings |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Employee benefit obligations |
| 20 |
| |
| |
Derivative financial instruments |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Deferred tax liabilities |
| 12 |
| |
| |
Other liabilities and provisions |
| 21 |
| |
| |
| | | ||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Interest payable | | — | ||||
Derivative financial instruments |
| 19 |
| |
| |
Trade and other payables |
| 22 |
| |
| |
Income tax payable |
|
| |
| | |
Provisions |
| 21 |
| |
| |
Deferred income | | — | ||||
| |
| | |||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
|
|
| |
| |
TOTAL EQUITY and LIABILITIES |
|
|
| |
| |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-6
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Attributable to the owner of the parent | ||||||||||||||||
Non- | ||||||||||||||||
Invested | Share | Share | Other | Retained | controlling | Total | ||||||||||
capital | capital | premium | reserves | earnings | Total | interests | equity | |||||||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | $’m | $’m | $’m | $’m | $’m | ||||||
Note 17 | Note 17 | Note 24 | ||||||||||||||
January 1, 2019 |
| |
| — |
| — | ( | — | | — | | |||||
Loss for the year |
| ( |
| — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
Total other comprehensive expense for the year |
| ( |
| — |
| — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
Hedging losses transferred to cost of inventory |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — | | — | | |||||
Decrease in invested capital |
| ( |
| — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
December 31, 2019 |
| |
| — |
| — | ( | — | | — | |
January 1, 2020 |
| |
| — |
| — | ( | — | | — | | |||||
Profit for the year |
| |
| — |
| — | — | — | | — | | |||||
Total other comprehensive expense for the year |
| ( |
| — |
| — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
Hedging losses transferred to cost of inventory |
| — |
| — |
| — | | — | | — | | |||||
Decrease in invested capital |
| ( |
| — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
December 31, 2020 |
| |
| — |
| — | ( | — | | — | |
January 1, 2021 |
| |
| — |
| — | ( | — | | — | | |||||
Loss for the period pre AMP Transfer * |
| ( |
| — |
| — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
Total other comprehensive income for the period pre AMP Transfer * |
| |
| — |
| — | | — | | — | | |||||
Hedging gains transferred to cost of inventory pre AMP Transfer |
| — |
| — |
| — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | |||||
Capital contribution (note 19) | — | — | — | | — | | — | | ||||||||
Increase in invested capital |
| |
| — |
| — | — | — | | — | | |||||
AMP Transfer (note 24) | ( | | | ( | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||
Business Combination (note 24) | — | | | | — | | — | | ||||||||
Loss for the period post AMP Transfer * | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | ||||||||
Total other comprehensive income for the period post AMP Transfer * | — | — | — | | | | — | | ||||||||
Hedging gains transferred to cost of inventory post AMP Transfer | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
| — | | | ( | ( | | — | |
*For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, the Group is reporting a loss for the period of $
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-7
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 | ||
Note | $’m | $’m | $’m | |||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash generated from operations |
| 23 |
| |
| |
| |
Interest paid |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax paid |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash from operating activities |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Cash flows used in investing activities |
|
|
| |||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
| |
| — |
| — |
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired | ( | — | — | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities |
|
|
| |||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
|
|
| |
| — |
| |
Repayment of borrowings | ( | ( | — | |||||
Repayment of related party borrowings to Ardagh | ( | — | — | |||||
Proceeds from share issuance, net of costs | | — | — | |||||
Payment as part of capital reorganization | 24 | ( | — | — | ||||
Proceeds from related party borrowings from Ardagh | | — | — | |||||
Cash received from Ardagh | 25 | | — | — | ||||
Redemption premium and issuance costs paid | ( | — | — | |||||
Deferred debt issue costs paid | ( | — | — | |||||
Consideration received on termination of derivative financial instruments |
|
| — |
| — |
| | |
Lease payments |
|
|
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash remitted to Ardagh |
| 25 |
| — |
| ( |
| ( |
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
| |
| ( |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
| 16 |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
| ( |
| |
| — |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
| 16 |
| |
| |
| |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-8
ARDAGH METAL PACKAGING S.A.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. General information
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (the “Company” or the “Group” or “AMPSA” or “AMP”) was incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on January 21, 2021, in order to effect a reorganization and subject to its completion, acquire the Metal Packaging operations (together the “AMP Business”) of Ardagh Group S.A. (“AGSA”). The Company’s registered office is 56, rue Charles Martel, L-2134 Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Prior to the reorganization the AMP Business was owned by Ardagh Group S.A. and its subsidiaries (“Ardagh” or “the Ardagh Group”). Prior to the reorganization, the Company had no assets or liabilities, other than those associated with its formation, and did not conduct any operations until the completion of the reorganization.
The AMP Business has historically operated as part of Ardagh and not as a separate stand-alone entity or group.
On February 22, 2021, AMPSA announced its entry into a business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”), dated as of February 22, 2021, by and among AMPSA, Ardagh, Ardagh MP MergeCo Inc., a newly formed Delaware corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMPSA (“MergeCo”) and Gores Holdings V Inc., a Delaware corporation and special purpose acquisition company (“Gores Holdings V” or “GHV”), pursuant to which the parties thereto agreed to effect the merger of MergeCo with and into Gores Holdings V, with Gores Holdings V being the surviving corporation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMP (the “Merger”, and, together with the other transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”), to create an independent, pure-play beverage can public company.
In connection with the Business Combination, on March 12, 2021,
In connection with the AMP Notes Issuance, Ardagh designated the Co-Issuers and subsidiaries of AMP as unrestricted subsidiaries under its bond indentures and the Global Asset Based Loan Facility.
In connection with the Business Combination, the Ardagh Group effected on April 1, 2021 a series of transactions that resulted in (a) the equity interests of Ardagh Packaging Holdings Limited, an Irish subsidiary of the Group, and certain other subsidiaries of the Ardagh Group that are engaged in the metal beverage can business being directly or indirectly owned by AMPSA (all such entities collectively, the “AMP Entities”) and (b) any assets and liabilities relating to the business of the Ardagh Group (other than the AMP Business) that were held by the AMP Entities being transferred to subsidiaries of the Ardagh Group that are not AMP Entities, and assets and liabilities relating to the AMP Business that were held by subsidiaries of the Ardagh Group (other than the AMP Entities) being transferred to the AMP Entities (such transactions, collectively, the “AMP Transfer”).
On August 4, 2021, in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, the parties consummated the Merger and, pursuant to the terms of subscription agreements dated February 22, 2021, among AMPSA, Gores Holdings V and certain investors in a private placement (the “PIPE Investors”), the PIPE Investors subscribed for and purchased shares of AMPSA at a purchase price of $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-9
effect to any requested stockholder redemptions) were contributed to AMPSA in exchange for newly issued AMPSA shares, and all warrants exercisable for the purchase of shares in Gores Holdings V were converted into warrants exercisable for the purchase of shares in AMPSA.
In addition to retaining AMPSA shares constituting approximately
On August 5, 2021, AMPSA listed its shares and warrants on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbols “AMBP” and “AMBP.WS”, respectively.
On August 6, 2021, AMPSA and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Global Asset Based Loan Facility in the amount of $
On September 7, 2021, Ardagh launched an exchange offer pursuant to which it offered
The Group is a leading supplier of metal beverage cans globally, with a particular focus on the Americas and Europe. The Group supplies sustainable and infinitely recyclable metal packaging to a diversified customer base of leading global, regional and national beverage producers. AMPSA operates
In connection with the AMP Transfers AGSA and AMPSA entered into a Services Agreement, pursuant to which AGSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, shall provide certain corporate and business-unit services to AMPSA and its subsidiaries, and AMPSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, shall provide certain corporate and business-unit services to AGSA and its affiliates (other than the AMP Entities). The services provided by AGSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, pursuant to the Services Agreement include typical corporate functional support areas such as finance, legal, risk, HR, procurement, sustainability and IT in order to complement the activities in areas which exist within AMPSA. The services provided by AMPSA, either directly or indirectly through its affiliates, are mainly in the areas of procurement and IT. For each calendar year from 2021 through 2024, as consideration for the net corporate services provided by AMPSA and AGSA, or their respective direct or indirect affiliates, AMPSA has incurred an expense of $
The consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidation of the legal entities forming the Group for the periods presented. The principal operating legal entities forming the Group are listed in note 25.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-10
The principal accounting policies that have been applied to the consolidated financial statements are described in note 3 below.
2. Statement of directors’ approval
The audited consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the board of directors of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (the “Board”) on February 22, 2022.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with, and are in compliance with, International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and related interpretations as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). IFRS is comprised of standards and interpretations approved by the IASB and IFRS and interpretations approved by the predecessor International Accounting Standards Committee that have been subsequently approved by the IASB and remain in effect. References to IFRS hereafter should be construed as references to IFRS as adopted by the IASB.
The consolidated financial statements, are presented in U.S. dollar, rounded to the nearest million, and have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the following:
● | Private and Public Warrants and the Earnout Shares (see note 21); and |
● | derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value; and |
● | employee benefit obligations are measured at the present value of the future estimated cash flows related to benefits earned and pension assets valued at fair value. |
The preparation of consolidated financial information in conformity with IFRS requires the use of critical accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and income and expenses. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying Group accounting policies. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and are subject to continual re-evaluation. However, actual outcomes may differ from these estimates. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are discussed in the critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments.
Basis of preparation prior to the AMP Transfer
For the periods prior to the AMP Transfer, consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a carve-out basis from the consolidated financial statements of AGSA, to represent the financial position and performance of the AMP Business as if the AMP Business had existed on a stand-alone basis for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and for the three months from January 1, 2021 to April 1, 2021, the date that the AMP Transfer occurred, for the audited consolidated income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of cash flows and as at December 31, 2020 for the audited consolidated statement of financial position. However, those consolidated financial statements are not
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-11
necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the AMP Business had been a stand-alone entity during the period presented.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by aggregating the financial information from the entities as described in note 25, together with assets, liabilities, income and expenses that management has determined are specifically attributable to the AMP Business including related party borrowings, and direct and indirect costs and expenses related to the operations of the Business. The following summarizes the principles applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements:
● | Controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business have been included in the consolidated financial statements, as further described in note 25. Goodwill, customer relationship intangible assets and fair value adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition of the controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business by Ardagh, have been included in the consolidated financial statements. No companies were acquired or disposed of during the financial periods prior to the AMP Transfer; |
● | The AMP Business did not in the past form a separate legal group and therefore it is not possible to show issued share capital or a full analysis of reserves. The net assets of the AMP Business are represented by the cumulative investment of Ardagh in the AMP Business, shown as invested capital; |
● | All intercompany balances, investments in subsidiaries and share capital within the AMP Business have been eliminated upon combination in the consolidated financial statements; |
● | All employee benefit obligations are directly attributable to the AMP Business and are obligations of the entities described in note 20; |
● | The AMP Business adopted IFRS 16 applying the simplified approach, with the right-of-use assets being calculated as if IFRS 16 had always been applied and the lease liabilities being calculated as the present value of expected remaining future lease payments, discounted at the AMP Business’ incremental borrowing rate as at January 1, 2018. The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities recognized upon adoption of IFRS 16 was |
● | Cumulative translation differences directly attributable to the controlled companies that are part of the AMP Business, have been allocated at the amounts included in Ardagh’s consolidated financial statements; |
● | Corporate center costs allocated by Ardagh, prior to the AMP Transfer, have been included in selling, general and administration (“SGA”) expenses ($ |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-12
stand-alone basis. These costs reflected the arrangements that existed in Ardagh and are not necessarily representative of costs that may arise in the future. In addition to these Ardagh corporate head office costs, shared divisional costs of $ |
● | Tax charges and credits and balances in the consolidated financial statements have been calculated as if the AMP Business was a separate taxable entity using the separate return method. The tax charges and credits recorded in the consolidated income statement and tax balances recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position have been affected by the taxation arrangements within Ardagh and are not necessarily representative of the positions that may arise in the future. Differences between the tax charges and credits and balances in the consolidated financial statements, and the tax charges and credits and balances in the historical records of the AMP Business are included in invested capital; |
● | The AMP Business has its own treasury functional team with certain treasury and risk management functions being performed by a central treasury function, which includes cash pooling and similar arrangement between Ardagh and the AMP Business. Interest on related party borrowings and allocated costs and expenses as described below have generally been deemed to have been paid by the AMP Business to Ardagh in the month in which the costs were incurred. In addition, all external debt used to fund Ardagh’s operations is managed and held centrally. Related party borrowings to Ardagh, representing back-to-back agreements related to those components of the Ardagh Group’s corporate debt used to fund the initial acquisition of the AMP Business by Ardagh, is included in the consolidated financial statements reflecting the debt obligation and related interest costs of the Business. Any cash balances reflected on the consolidated financial statements are legally owned by the AMP Business. Ardagh has entered into certain derivative instruments with external counterparties on behalf of the AMP Business and on the back of those related-party derivatives between Ardagh and the AMP Business have been executed, the impact of which have been included in the consolidated financial statements; |
● | Other intercompany balances between Ardagh and the AMP Business with the exception of the related party borrowings discussed above are deemed to be long term funding in nature and did not remain a liability upon separation from Ardagh and hence have been presented as part of invested capital in the consolidated financial statements. |
Basis of preparation after the AMP Transfer
For the periods after the AMP Transfer, from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, consolidated financial statements have been prepared for the Group as a stand-alone business. The accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation followed in the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the audited consolidated financial statements of the AMP Business for the year ended December 31, 2020, except for the new or amended accounting policies identified as applying after the AMP Transfer as indicated in the paragraphs below, in addition to the calculation of earnings per share as further detailed in note 8, the recognition and measurement of the Earnout Shares and Public and Private Warrants as further detailed in note 21 and the recognition and measurement of the IFRS 2 charge in note 24.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-13
Going concern
At the date that the audited consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the board of directors, the Board has formed the judgment that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, these audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. In assessing whether the going concern assumption is appropriate, the Board has taken into account all available information about a period, extending to at least, December 31, 2022. In arriving at its conclusion, the Board has taken account of the Group’s current and anticipated trading performance, together with current and anticipated levels of cash and net debt and the availability of committed borrowing facilities and, as a result, it is the Board’s judgment that it is appropriate to prepare the audited consolidated financial statements using the going concern basis.
Recently adopted accounting standards and changes in accounting policies
The impact of new standards, amendments to existing standards and interpretations issued and effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2021 have been assessed by the Board as not having had a material impact on the Group.
Recent accounting pronouncements
The Board’s assessment of the impact of new standards, which are not yet effective and which have not been early adopted by the Group, on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures is on-going.
Basis of combination (for the periods prior to the AMP Transfer)
(i) | Controlled companies |
The companies included in these consolidated financial statements are all entities over which the AMP Business has control. The AMP Business controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of controlled companies by the AMP Business. The cost of an acquisition is the consideration given in exchange for control of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired legal entities. Directly attributable transaction costs are expensed and included as exceptional items within sales, general and administration expenses. The acquired net assets are initially measured at fair value. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to those groups of cash-generating units (“CGUs”) that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose for the purpose of assessing impairment. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred. Any goodwill and fair value adjustments are recorded as assets and liabilities of the acquired legal entity in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the legal entity operates (“the functional currency”).
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-14
(ii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Transactions, balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Subsidiaries’ accounting policies have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
(iii) Transactions with Ardagh
Any unsettled intercompany balances between the Group and Ardagh are presented as related party receivables or payables in the consolidated financial statement, within Trade and other receivables and Trade and other payables.
Basis of consolidation (for the periods after the AMP Transfer)
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are de-consolidated from the date on which control ceases. Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an acquisition is the consideration given in exchange for control of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired legal entities. Acquisition-related costs are expensed and included as exceptional items within sales, general and administration expenses. The acquired net assets are initially measured at fair value. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Any goodwill and fair value adjustments are recorded as assets and liabilities of the acquired legal entity in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the legal entity operates (the “functional currency”). If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets of the legal entity acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated income statement. The Group considers obligations of the acquiree in a business combination that arise as a result of the change in control, to be cash flows arising from obtaining control of the controlled entity, and classifies these obligations as investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Predecessor accounting is used to account for the transfer of a subsidiary in the form of a capital reorganization. Under predecessor accounting, the Group carries forward the predecessor carrying values of the acquired net assets and the liabilities assumed as previously reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Ardagh Group. The difference between the consideration given and the aggregate carrying value of the assets and the liabilities of the acquired entity at the date of the transaction is included in equity in other reserves.
(ii) | Non-controlling interests |
Non-controlling interests represent the portion of the equity of a subsidiary which is not attributable to the Group. Non-controlling interests are presented separately in the consolidated financial statements. Changes in ownership of a subsidiary which do not result in a change in control are treated as equity transactions.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-15
(iii) | Transactions eliminated on consolidation |
Transactions, balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. Subsidiaries’ accounting policies have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
(iv) Transactions with Ardagh
Any unsettled intercompany balances between the Group and Ardagh are presented as related party receivables or payables in the consolidated financial statements, within Trade and other receivables and Trade and other payables.
Foreign currency
(i) | Functional and presentation currency |
The functional currency of the Company is euro. The consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollar which is the Group’s presentation currency.
(ii) | Foreign currency transactions |
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the functional currency of that entity.
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognized in the consolidated income statement, except: (i) differences on foreign currency borrowings that provide an effective hedge against a net investment in a foreign entity (“net investment hedges”), which are taken to other comprehensive income until the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recognized in the consolidated income statement; and (ii) differences on certain derivative financial instruments discussed under “Derivative financial instruments” below.
(iii) | Financial statements of foreign operations |
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into euro at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated to euro at average exchange rates for the year. Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation and settlement of such transactions are recognized in other comprehensive income. Gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are recycled to the consolidated income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of.
Non-monetary items measured at fair value in foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates as at the date when the fair value is determined.
Business combination and goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting. This involves measuring the cost of the business combination and allocating, at the acquisition date, the cost of the business combination
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-16
to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date.
The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in sales, general and administration expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.
Any contingent consideration is recognized at fair value at the acquisition date.
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition.
Goodwill is stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to those groups of cash-generating units (“CGUs”) that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose for the purpose of assessing impairment. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred.
Where goodwill has been allocated to a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets are initially recognized at cost.
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are capitalized separately from goodwill if the intangible asset is separable or arises from contractual or other legal rights. They are initially recognized at cost which, for intangible assets arising in a business combination, is their fair value at the date of acquisition.
Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. The carrying values of intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date and are subject to impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-17
The amortization of intangible assets is calculated to write off the book value of finite lived intangible assets over their useful lives on a straight-line basis, on the assumption of zero residual value. Management estimates the useful lives within the following ranges:
Computer software |
| |
Customer relationships |
| |
Technology |
|
(i) Computer software
Computer software development costs are recognized as assets. Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognized as an expense as incurred.
(ii) Customer relationships
Customer relationships acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Customer relationships have a finite useful economic life and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization.
(iii) Technology
Technology based intangibles acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date and reflect the Group’s ability to add value through accumulated technological expertise surrounding product and process development.
(iv) Research and development costs
Research costs are expensed as incurred. Development costs relating to new products are capitalized if the new product is technically and commercially feasible. All other development costs are expensed as incurred.
Property, plant and equipment
(i) | Owned assets |
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, except for land which is shown at cost less impairment. Spare parts which form an integral part of plant and machinery and which have an estimated useful economic life greater than one year are capitalized. Spare parts which do not form an integral part of plant and machinery and which have an estimated useful economic life less than one year are included as consumables within inventory and expensed when utilized.
Where components of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.
(ii) | Leased assets |
At the lease commencement date or the effective date of a lease modification, the Group recognizes a lease liability as the present value of expected future lease payments, discounted at the Group’s incremental borrowing rate unless the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, excluding any amounts which are variable based on the usage
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-18
of the underlying asset and a right-of-use asset generally at the same amount plus any directly attributable costs. The incremental borrowing rate is the discount rate the Group would have to pay to borrow, over a similar term and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. The Group combines lease and non-lease components and accounts for them as a single lease component with the exception of the dunnage asset class. Extension options or periods after termination options are considered by management if it is reasonably certain that the lease will be extended or not terminated.
(iii) | Subsequent costs |
The Group recognizes in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment, the cost of replacing the component of such an item when that cost is incurred, if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. When a component is replaced the old component is de-recognized in the period. All other costs are recognized in the consolidated income statement as an expense as incurred. When a major overhaul is performed, its cost is recognized in the carrying amount of the plant and equipment as a replacement if the recognition criteria above are met.
(iv) | Depreciation |
Depreciation is charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. Land is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings |
| |
Plant and machinery |
| |
Dunnage and other |
|
Assets’ useful lives and residual values are adjusted, if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful economic life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred. Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets excluding goodwill and long lived intangible assets, are grouped at the lowest levels at which cash flows are separately identifiable. Goodwill and long lived intangible assets are allocated to groups of CGUs. The groupings represent the lowest level at which the related assets are monitored for internal management purposes.
Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.
The recoverable amount of other assets is the greater of their value in use and fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-19
does not generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the asset belongs.
Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories is based on the first-in, first-out basis and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their current location and condition. In the case of finished goods and work-in-progress, cost includes direct materials, direct labor and attributable overheads based on normal operating capacity.
Net realizable value is the estimated proceeds of sale less all further costs to completion, and less all costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Spare parts which are deemed to be of a consumable nature, are included within inventories and expensed when utilized.
Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, borrowings, trade and other payables and the Private and Public Warrants as well as the Earnout Shares (see note 21). Non-derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs, except as described below. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below.
(i) | Trade and other receivables |
Trade and other receivables are recognized initially at the transaction price and are, thereafter measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less any provision for impairment, in accordance with the Group’s held to collect business model. The Group uses estimates based on expected credit losses and current information in determining the level of debts for which an allowance for impairment is required. For all other trade receivables, the Group uses an allowance matrix to measure the expected credit loss, based on historical actual credit loss experiences, adjusted for forward-looking information.
(ii) | Securitized assets |
The Group has entered into securitization transactions involving certain of its trade receivables. The securitized assets are recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position, until all of the rights to the cash flows from those assets have expired or have been fully transferred outside the Group, or until substantially all of the related risks, rewards and control of the related assets have been transferred to a third party.
The Group has also entered into a Global Asset Based Loan Facility (“ABL”) involving certain of its trade receivables and inventory. The lenders under the ABL have security over those receivables, inventory and the bank accounts where the associated cash flows are received. The risks, rewards and control of these assets are still retained by the Group and are, therefore, recognized on the statement of financial position.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-20
(iii) | Contract assets |
Contract assets represent revenue required to be accelerated or recognized over time, based on production completed in accordance with the Group’s revenue recognition policy (as set out below). A provision for impairment of a contract asset will be recognized when there is evidence that the revenue recognized will not be recoverable. The provision is measured based on an allowance matrix to measure the expected credit loss, based on historical actual credit loss experiences, adjusted for forward-looking information.
(iv) | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and call deposits held with banks and restricted cash. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at amortized cost.
Short term bank deposits of greater than three months’ maturity which do not meet the definition of cash and cash equivalents are classified as financial assets within current assets and stated at amortized cost.
Restricted cash comprises cash held by the Group but which is ring-fenced or used as security for specific financing arrangements, and to which the Group does not have unfettered access. Restricted cash is measured at amortized cost.
(v) | Borrowings (including related party borrowings during the periods prior to the AMP Transfer) |
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the Group’s consolidated income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group, has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
(vi) | Trade and other payables |
Trade and other payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value at each reporting date. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.
The fair values of various derivative instruments used for hedging purposes are disclosed in note 19. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset or liability.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-21
(i) | Cash flow hedges |
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive income, allocated between cash flow hedge gains or losses and cost of hedging gains or losses. For cash flow hedges which subsequently result in the recognition of a non-financial asset, the amounts accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve are reclassified to the asset in order to adjust its carrying value. Amounts accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve and cost of hedging reserve, or as adjustments to carrying value of non-financial assets, are recycled to the consolidated income statement in the periods when the hedged item will affect profit or loss.
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated income statement. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing at that time remains in equity and is recognized in the consolidated income statement when the forecast cash flow arises. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the consolidated income statement.
Fair value measurement
The Group measures derivative financial instruments and pension assets at fair value at each balance sheet date. Fair value related disclosures for financial instruments and pension assets that are measured at fair value or where fair values are disclosed, are summarized in the following notes:
● | Disclosures of valuation methods, significant estimates and assumptions (notes 19 and 20) |
● | Quantitative disclosures of fair value measurement hierarchy (note 19) |
● | Financial instruments (including those carried at amortized cost) (note 19) |
● | Private and Public Warrants and Earnout Shares (note 21) |
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
● | in the principal market for the asset or liability; or |
● | in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. |
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
A fair value measurement of a non-financial asset takes into account a market participant’s ability to generate economic benefits by using the asset in its highest and best use or by selling it to another market participant that would use the asset in its highest and best use.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-22
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
Employee benefits
(i) | Defined benefit pension plans |
Typically, defined benefit plans define an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.
The liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the reporting date less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related pension liability.
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to equity in other comprehensive income in the period in which they arise. Past service costs and past service credits are recognized immediately in the consolidated income statement.
(ii) | Other long term employee benefits |
The Group’s obligation in respect of other long term employee benefit plans represents the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for service in the current and prior periods for post-retirement medical schemes, partial retirement contracts and long service awards. These are included in the category of employee benefit obligations on the consolidated statement of financial position. The obligation is computed on the basis of the projected unit credit method and is discounted to present value using a discount rate equating to the market yield at the reporting date on high quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the currency and estimated term of the obligations. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in full in the Group’s consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.
(iii) | Defined contribution plans |
A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when they are due.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be reliably estimated.
Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-23
Revenue recognition
Our products include metal containers primarily for the beverage markets with consumer-driven demand. In addition to metal containers, the Group manufactures and supplies a wide range of can ends. Containers and ends are usually distinct items and can be sold separately from each other. A significant portion of our sales volumes are supplied under contracts which include input cost pass-through provisions.
The Group usually enters into framework agreements with its customers, which establish the terms under which individual orders to purchase goods or services may be placed. As the framework agreements do not identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, they do not create enforceable rights and obligations on a stand-alone basis. Therefore, the Group has concluded that only individual purchase orders create enforceable rights and obligations and meet the definition of a contract. The individual purchase orders have, in general, a duration of one year or less and, as such, the Group does not disclose any information about remaining performance obligations under these contracts. The payment terms of the Group are in line with customary business practice, which can vary by customer and region. The Group has availed of the practical expedient from considering the existence of a significant financing component as, based on past experience, we expect that, at contract inception, the period between when a promised good is transferred to the customer and when the customer pays for that good will be one year or less.
Revenue is recognized when control of a good or service has transferred to the customer. For certain contracts, the Group manufactures products for customers that have no alternative use and for which the Group has an enforceable right to payment for production completed to date. The Group has concluded that it has such enforceable right to payment plus a reasonable margin once it receives an individual purchase order. Therefore, for such products that have no alternative use and where an enforceable right to payment exists, the Group will recognize revenue over time based on the units produced output method such that a portion of revenue, net of any related rebates and cash discounts, excluding sales or value added tax, will be recognized prior to the dispatch of goods as the Group satisfies the contractual performance obligations for those contracts. For all other contracts, the Group will continue to recognize revenue primarily on dispatch of the goods, net of any related customer rebates, cash discounts and value added taxes.
The Group often sells products with rebates and cash discounts based on cumulative sales over a period. Such rebate and cash discount consideration is only recognized when it is highly probable that it will not be subsequently reversed and is recognized using the most likely amount depending on the individual contractual terms.
Exceptional items
The Group’s consolidated income statement, cash flow and segmental analysis separately identify results before specific items. Specific items are those that in management’s judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence to provide additional information. Such items include, where significant, restructuring, redundancy and other costs relating to permanent capacity realignment or footprint reorganization, directly attributable acquisition costs and acquisition integration costs, and other transaction-related costs, profit or loss on disposal or termination of operations, start-up costs incurred in relation to and associated with plant builds, significant new line investments, major litigation costs and settlements and impairments of non-current assets. In this regard the determination of “significant” as included in our definition uses qualitative and quantitative factors. Judgment is used by the Group in assessing the particular items, which by virtue of their scale and nature, are disclosed in the Group’s consolidated income statement, and related notes as exceptional items. Management considers columnar presentation to be appropriate in the consolidated income statement as it provides useful additional information and is consistent with the way that financial performance is measured by management and presented to the Board. Exceptional restructuring costs are classified as restructuring provisions and all other exceptional costs when outstanding at the balance sheet date are classified as exceptional items payable.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-24
Net finance expense
Periods prior to the AMP Transfer
Net finance expense comprises interest expense on related party borrowings, interest costs on leases, net foreign currency translation gains or losses related to financing, net interest cost on net pension plan liabilities, ineffective portions of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, losses on derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments and are recognized in profit or loss, and other finance expense.
The AMP Business capitalizes borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of manufacturing plants that require a substantial period of time to build that would have been avoided if the expenditure on the qualifying asset had not been made.
Periods after the AMP Transfer
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested, gains on disposal of financial assets, ineffective portions of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments and gains on derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments and are recognized in profit or loss.
Finance expense comprises interest expense on borrowings (including amortization of deferred debt issuance costs), related party borrowings, interest cost on leases, certain net foreign currency translation related to financing, net interest cost on net pension plan liabilities, losses on extinguishment of borrowings, ineffective portions of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments, losses on derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments and are recognized in profit or loss, and other finance expense.
The Group capitalizes borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of manufacturing plants that require a substantial period of time to build that would have been avoided if the expenditure on the qualifying asset had not been made.
Costs related to the issuance of new debt are deferred and amortized within finance expense over the expected terms of the related debt agreements by using the effective interest rate method
Income tax
Periods prior to the AMP Transfer
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are generally not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill and deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-25
using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except for deferred income tax liabilities where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the AMP Business and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
Differences between the tax charges and credits in the consolidated financial statements and the tax charges and credits in the historical records of the AMP Business are included as offset in invested capital.
Periods after the AMP Transfer
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are generally not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill; deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-26
Segment reporting
Periods prior to the AMP Transfer
As described in note 1, the AMP Business has not historically operated as a separate stand-alone group and has been managed centrally by Ardagh. For the purposes of these consolidated financial statements, the AMP Business has two operating and reporting segments: Europe and Americas, with internal reporting provided on this basis to the Executive Committee of Ardagh, being its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The internal information supporting this segmental organization is used by the CODM to allocate resources and assess segmental performance.
Periods after the AMP Transfer
The Board and Chief Financial Officer have been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) for the Group.
Operating segments are identified on the basis of the internal reporting regularly provided to the Board in order to allocate resources to the segment and assess its performance.
Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. Please refer to the basis of preparation for details of the critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments exercised in preparing the combined financial statements.
(i) | Income taxes |
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions and judgment is therefore required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. Where uncertain tax treatments exist, the Group assesses whether it is probable that a tax authority will accept the uncertain tax treatment applied or proposed to be applied in its income tax filings. The Group assesses for each uncertain tax treatment whether it should be considered independently or whether some tax treatments should be considered together based on what the Group believes provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty. The Group considers whether it is probable that the relevant authority will accept each uncertain tax treatment, or group of uncertain tax treatments, assuming that the taxation authority with the right to examine any amounts reported to it will examine those amounts and will have full knowledge of all relevant information when doing so.
The Group measures tax uncertainties using its best estimate of likely outcomes. This estimate relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve judgments about future events.
Corporate activity including acquisitions, disposals and reorganizations such as those described in note 1 often create tax uncertainties. The Group has determined, with the benefit of opinions from external tax advisors and legal counsel, where appropriate, that it has provided for all taxation liabilities that are probable to arise from such activities.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-27
New information may become available that causes the Group to change its judgment regarding the adequacy of existing tax liabilities. Such changes could result in incremental tax liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were originally estimated such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.
(ii) | Measurement of employee benefit obligations |
The Group follows guidance of IAS 19 (R) to determine the present value of its obligations to current and past employees in respect of defined benefit pension obligations, other long term employee benefits, and other end of service employee benefits which are subject to similar fluctuations in value in the long term. The Group values its liabilities, with the assistance of professional actuaries, to ensure consistency in the quality of the key assumptions underlying the valuations. The critical assumptions and estimates applied are discussed in detail in note 20.
(iii) | Exceptional items |
The consolidated income statement and segment analysis separately identify results before exceptional items. Exceptional items are those that in our judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence.
The Group believes that this presentation provides additional analysis as it highlights exceptional items. The determination of “significant” as included in our definition uses qualitative and quantitative factors which remain consistent from period to period. Management uses judgment in assessing the particular items, which by virtue of their scale and nature, are disclosed in the consolidated income statement and related notes as exceptional items. Management considers the consolidated income statement presentation of exceptional items to be appropriate as it provides useful additional information and is consistent with the way that financial information is measured by management and presented to the Board. In that regard, management believes it to be consistent with paragraph 85 of IAS 1 “Presentation of financial statements” (“IAS 1”), which permits the inclusion of line items and subtotals that improve the understanding of performance.
(iv) Business combinations, goodwill and similar transactions (for the periods after the AMP Transfer)
For each transaction the Group will assess the accounting acquirer and acquiree and whether those parties meet the definition of a business under IFRS 3, which could involve significant judgments depending on the structure of the transaction.
Goodwill only arises in business combinations, where both parties meet the definition of a business. The amount of goodwill initially recognized is dependent on the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The determination of the fair value of the assets and liabilities is based, to a considerable extent, on management’s judgment. Allocation of the purchase price affects the results of the Group as finite lived intangible assets are amortized, whereas indefinite lived intangible assets, including goodwill, are not amortized and could result in differing amortization charges based on the allocation to indefinite lived and finite lived intangible assets.
A transaction, where the accounting acquiree does not meet the definition of a business, is not a business combination under IFRS 3, but could be an asset acquisition or a share-based payment transaction under IFRS 2. In the latter case, the difference in the fair value of consideration given by the acquirer over the fair value of identifiable net assets of the acquiree represents a service and is accounted for as a share-based payment expense. In order to estimate such
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-28
fair values management might need to apply a significant amount of judgment in respect of key assumptions underlying such calculations, as outlined in more detail in note 21 for the Private Warrants.
4. Segment analysis
The Group’s
Performance of the Group is assessed based on Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is the profit or loss for the period before income tax charge or credit, net finance expense, depreciation and amortization and exceptional operating items. Other items are not allocated to segments, as these are reviewed by the CODM on a group-wide basis. Segmental revenues are derived from sales to external customers. Inter-segment revenue is not material.
Reconciliation of (loss)/profit for the year to Adjusted EBITDA
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
| ( | | ( | ||
Income tax charge (note 7) |
| |
| |
| |
Net finance expense (note 6) |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation and amortization (notes 10, 11) |
| |
| |
| |
Exceptional operating items (note 5) |
| |
| |
| |
Adjusted EBITDA |
| |
| |
| |
The segment results for the year ended December 31, 2021 are:
Europe | Americas | Total | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Revenue |
| |
| |
| |
Adjusted EBITDA |
| |
| |
| |
Capital expenditure |
| |
| |
| |
Segment assets |
| |
| |
| |
The segment results for the year ended December 31, 2020 are:
Europe | Americas | Total | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Revenue |
| |
| |
| |
Adjusted EBITDA |
| |
| |
| |
Capital expenditure |
| |
| |
| |
Segment assets |
| |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-29
The segment results for the year ended December 31, 2019 are:
Europe | Americas | Total | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Revenue |
| |
| |
| |
Adjusted EBITDA |
| |
| |
| |
Capital expenditure |
| |
| |
| |
Segment assets |
| |
| |
| |
Capital expenditure is the sum of purchases of property, plant and equipment and software and other intangibles, net of proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment, as per the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Segment assets consist of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, derivative financial instrument assets, deferred tax assets, other non-current assets, inventories, contract assets, trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those in the consolidated financial statements of the Group as set out in note 3.
Total revenue from the Group in countries which account for more than 10% of total revenue, in the current or prior years presented, are as follows:
| Year ended | |||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
Revenue |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
U.S. |
| |
| |
| |
U.K |
| |
| |
| |
Brazil |
| |
| |
| |
The revenue above is attributed to countries on a destination basis.
Non-current assets, excluding derivative financial instruments, taxes, pensions and goodwill arising on acquisitions in countries which account for more than 10% of non-current assets are the U.S.
The Company is domiciled in Luxembourg. During the year the Group had revenues of $
Within each reportable segment our respective packaging containers have similar production processes and classes of customers. Further, they have similar economic characteristics, as evidenced by similar profit margins, similar degrees of risk and similar opportunities for growth. Based on the foregoing, we do not consider that they constitute separate product lines and therefore additional disclosures relating to product lines is not necessary.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-30
Disaggregation of revenue
The following illustrates the disaggregation of revenue by destination for the year ended December 31, 2021:
North | Rest of the | |||||||
Europe | America | world | Total | |||||
$’m | $’m | $’m | $’m | |||||
Europe | | | | | ||||
Americas | | | | | ||||
Group | | | | |
The following illustrates the disaggregation of revenue by destination for the year ended December 31, 2020:
North | Rest of the | |||||||
Europe | America | world | Total | |||||
$’m | $’m | $’m | $’m | |||||
Europe | | | | | ||||
Americas | | | | | ||||
Group | | | | |
The following illustrates the disaggregation of revenue by destination for the year ended December 31, 2019:
North | Rest of the | |||||||
Europe | America | world | Total | |||||
$’m | $’m | $'m | $'m | |||||
Europe | | | | | ||||
Americas | | | | | ||||
Group | | | | |
The following illustrates the disaggregation of revenue based on the timing of transfer of goods and services:
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Over time |
| |
| |
| |
Point in time |
| |
| |
| |
Total |
| |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-31
5. Exceptional items
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Start-up related costs | | | | |||
Exceptional items – cost of sales |
| |
| |
| |
Transaction-related and other costs | | | | |||
Exceptional items – SGA expenses |
| |
| |
| |
Exceptional finance expense | | — | | |||
Exceptional items – finance expense |
| |
| — |
| |
Exceptional income tax credit (note 7) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Total exceptional charge, net of tax |
| |
| |
| |
Exceptional items are those that in management’s judgment need to be disclosed by virtue of their size, nature or incidence.
2021
Exceptional items of $
● | $ |
● | $ |
● | $ |
● | $ |
2020
Exceptional items of $
● | $ |
● | $ |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-32
● | $ |
2019
Exceptional items of $
● | $ |
● | $ |
● | $ |
● | $ |
6. Net finance expense
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Senior Secured and Senior Notes | | — | — | |||
Interest on related party borrowings |
| |
| |
| |
Net pension interest cost (note 20) |
| |
| |
| |
Foreign currency translation losses/(gain) |
| |
| ( |
| |
Losses on derivative financial instruments |
| — |
| |
| |
Other net finance expense |
| |
| |
| |
Net finance expense before exceptional items |
| | | | ||
Exceptional finance expense (note 5) |
| |
| — |
| |
Net finance expense |
| |
| |
| |
During the year ended December 31, 2021 the total amount of interest paid to related parties was $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group recognized $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-33
7. Income tax
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Current tax: | ||||||
Current tax for the year | | | | |||
Adjustments in respect of prior years | ( | ( | | |||
Total current tax |
| |
| |
| |
Deferred tax: | ||||||
Deferred tax for the year | | ( | ( | |||
Adjustments in respect of prior years | | | ( | |||
Total deferred tax |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Income tax charge |
| | | |
Reconciliation of income tax charge and the (loss)/profit before tax multiplied by the domestic tax rate of the Group for 2021, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Year ended December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
(Loss)/profit before tax |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
(Loss)/profit before tax multiplied by the standard rate of Luxembourg corporation tax: |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Tax losses for which no deferred income tax asset was recognized | | — | — | |||
Re-measurement of deferred taxes | | — | ( | |||
Adjustment in respect of prior years |
| |
| ( |
| |
Income subject to state and other local income taxes |
| |
| |
| |
Income taxed at rates other than standard tax rates |
| |
| ( |
| |
Non-deductible and other items |
| |
| |
| |
Income tax charge |
| |
| |
| |
The total income tax charge outlined above for each year includes tax credits of $
Non-deductible and other items principally relate to transaction related and other costs attributable to the completion of the Business Combination in the year ended December 31, 2021 and historical non-deductible interest expense in prior years. Income taxed at non-standard rates takes account of foreign tax rate differences (versus the Luxembourg standard
8. Earnings per share
In advance of the completion of the business combination with Gores Holdings V,
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-34
for the period prior to August 4, 2021, as included in the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares for the year ended December 31, 2021.
As of August 4, 2021, upon completion of the Business Combination, a total number of
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit attributable to equity holders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
The following table reflects the income statement (loss)/profit and share data used in the basic EPS calculations:
Year ended 31 December, | |||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||
$'m | $'m | $'m | |||||||
(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders |
| ( | | ( | |||||
Weighted average number of common shares for EPS (millions) |
| |
| | | ||||
(Loss)/earnings per share | $ | ( | $ | | $ | ( |
Diluted earnings per share is consistent with basic earnings per share, as there are
Please refer to note 17 for any details of transactions involving ordinary shares for the years ended December 31, 2021.
There have been no material transactions involving common shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the authorization of these financial statements.
9. Employee costs
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Wages and salaries | | | | |||
Social security costs | | | | |||
Defined benefit plan pension costs (note 20) | | | ( | |||
Defined contribution plan pension costs (note 20) | | | | |||
Group employee costs | | | |
| At December 31, | |||||
Employees |
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
Europe | | | | |||
Americas | | | | |||
Group | | | |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-35
10. Intangible assets
Customer | Technology | |||||||||
Goodwill | relationships | and other | Software | Total | ||||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange |
| |
| |
| — |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
At January 1, 2020 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Charge for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Exchange |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
At December 31, 2020 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net book value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Acquisition | | — | — | — | | |||||
Transfers | — | — | ( | | — | |||||
Disposal | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||
Exchange |
| ( | ( | ( | — |
| ( | |||
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
At January 1, 2021 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Charge for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Exchange |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||
At December 31, 2021 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||
Net book value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Amortization expense of $
In November 2021, the Group completed the business combination with Hart Print, located in Quebec, Canada, for a cash consideration of $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-36
Impairment
The Board has considered the carrying value of the Group’s intangible assets (excluding goodwill) and assessed for indicators of impairment as at December 31, 2021 in accordance with IAS 36. No such indicators of impairment were identified.
Goodwill
Allocation of goodwill
Goodwill originated from the acquisition of the Group by Ardagh has been allocated to CGUs that are expected to benefit from synergies arising from that combination. Goodwill has been allocated to groups of CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing. The groupings represent the lowest level at which the related goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes.
The lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes and consequently the CGUs to which goodwill is allocated, is set out below:
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Europe |
| |
| |
Americas |
| |
| |
Total Goodwill |
| |
| |
Impairment tests for goodwill
The Group performs its impairment test of goodwill annually following approval of the annual budget or whenever indicators suggest that impairment may have occurred.
Recoverable amount and carrying amount
The Group uses the value in use (“VIU”) model for the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, as this reflects the Group’s intention to hold and operate the assets. However, if an impairment indicator exists for a CGU, the Group also uses the fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) model in order to establish the recoverable amount being the higher of the VIU model and FVLCD model when compared to the carrying value of the CGU.
The VIU model used the 2022 budget approved by the Board and a
Cash flows considered in the VIU model included the cash inflows and outflows related to the continuing use of the assets over their remaining useful lives, expected earnings, required maintenance capital expenditure and working capital.
The discount rate applied to cash flows in the VIU model was estimated using the weighted average cost of capital as determined by the Capital Asset Pricing Model with regard to the risks associated with the cash flows being considered
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-37
(country, market and specific risks of the asset). The discount rates applied in respect of groups of CGUs was Europe:
The modelled cash flows take into account the Group’s established history of earnings, cash flow generation and the nature of the markets in which we operate, where product obsolescence is low. The key assumptions employed in modelling estimates of the net present value of future cash flows are subjective and include projected Adjusted EBITDA, discount rates and growth rates, replacement capital expenditure requirements, rates of customer retention and the ability to maintain margin through the pass through of input cost inflation.
The terminal value assumed long-term growth based on a combination of factors including long-term inflation in addition to industry and market specific factors. The range of growth rates applied by management in respect of the terminal values applicable to the groups of CGUs were
A sensitivity analysis was performed reflecting potential variations in terminal growth rate and discount rate assumptions. In all cases the recoverable values calculated were significantly in excess of the carrying values of the CGUs. The variation applied to terminal value growth rates and discount rates was a
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-38
11. Property, plant and equipment
Plant, | ||||||||
Land and | machinery | Dunnage | ||||||
buildings | and other | and other | Total | |||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Disposals |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2020 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Charge for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Disposals |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
At December 31, 2020 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Additions |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Acquisition (note 10) | | | — | | ||||
Disposals |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At January 1, 2021 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Charge for the year |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Disposals |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange |
| |
| |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2021 |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Net book value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation expense of $
Construction in progress at December 31, 2021 was $
Included in property, plant and equipment is an amount for land of $
Substantially all of the Group’s property, plant and equipment is pledged as security under the terms and conditions of the Group’s financing arrangements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-39
Impairment
The Group has considered the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment of the Group and assessed the indicators of impairment as at December 31, 2021 in accordance with IAS 36. No such indicators of impairment were identified.
Right of Use assets — Net Book Value, depreciation and variable lease expense
The following right-of-use assets were included in property, plant and equipment:
Plant, | Dunnage | |||||||
| Land and | machinery | and | |||||
buildings | and other | other | Total | |||||
Net book value At December 31, |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
2021 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
2020 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The increase in the net book value of the right-of use assets at December 31, 2021 to $
The Group incurred variable lease expense of $
Capital commitments
The following capital commitments in relation to property, plant and equipment were authorized by management, but have not been provided for in the consolidated financial statements:
| At December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Contracted for |
| |
| |
| |
Not contracted for |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-40
12. Deferred tax
The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year was as follows:
Assets | Liabilities | Total | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
At January 1, 2019 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
(Charged)/credited to the income statement (note 7) |
| ( |
| |
| |
Credited to other comprehensive income |
| |
| |
| |
Exchange |
| — |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2019 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Credited/(charged) to the income statement (note 7) |
| |
| ( |
| |
Credited to other comprehensive income |
| — |
| — |
| — |
Exchange |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Credited/(charged) to the income statement (note 7) |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Charged to other comprehensive income | ( | ( | ( | |||
Exchange |
| ( |
| |
| |
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Tax losses | | | ||
Employee benefit obligations | | | ||
Depreciation timing differences | | | ||
Provisions | | | ||
Other | | | ||
| | |||
Available for offset | ( | ( | ||
Deferred tax assets | | | ||
Intangible assets | ( | ( | ||
Accelerated depreciation and other fair value adjustments | ( | ( | ||
Other | ( | ( | ||
( | ( | |||
Available for offset | | | ||
Deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-41
The tax credit recognized in the consolidated income statement is analyzed as follows:
| Year ended | |||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Tax losses | | ( | ( | |||
Employee benefit obligations | | ( | — | |||
Depreciation timing differences | | — | — | |||
Provisions | | | ( | |||
Other deferred tax assets | ( | | ( | |||
Intangible assets | | | | |||
Accelerated depreciation and other fair value adjustments | ( | ( | ( | |||
Other deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( | | |||
( | | |
Deferred tax assets are only recognized on tax loss carry forwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable based on management’s forecasts. The Group did not recognize deferred tax assets of $
13. Inventories
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Raw materials and consumables |
| |
| |
Work-in-progress | | | ||
Finished goods |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Certain inventories held by the Group have been pledged as security under the Group’s ABL (note 19). There were
The amounts recognized as a write down in inventories or as a reversal of a write down in the year ended December 31, 2021 was not material (2020: not material).
At December 31, 2021, the hedging loss included in the carrying value of inventories, which will be recognized in the income statement when the related finished goods have been sold is $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-42
14. Trade and other receivables
| At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Note |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Trade receivables |
|
| |
| |
Other receivables and prepayments |
| |
| | |
Related party receivables | 25 | | — | ||
|
| |
| |
The fair values of trade and other receivables approximate the amounts shown above.
Movements on the provisions for impairment of trade receivables are as follows:
|
| 2021 |
| 2020 | |
$'m | $'m | ||||
At January 1, | | | |||
Provision for receivables impairment |
| — | | ||
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectible |
| ( | ( | ||
At December 31, |
| | |
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying value of each class of receivable set out above.
Provisions against specific balances
Significant balances are assessed for evidence of increased credit risk. Examples of factors considered are high probability of bankruptcy, breaches of contract or major concession being sought by the customer. Instances of significant single customer related bad debts are rare and there is no significant concentration of risk associated with particular customers.
Providing against the remaining population of customers
The Group monitors actual historical credit losses and adjusts for forward-looking information to measure the level of expected losses. Adverse changes in the payment status of customers of the Group, or national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on receivables owing to the Group, may also provide a basis for an increase in the level of provision above historic loss experience.
As of 31 December 2021, trade receivables of $
At 31 December, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
$'m | $'m | ||||
Up to three months past due | |||||
Three to six months past due | |||||
Over six months past due | — | ||||
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-43
Receivables Factoring and Related Programs
The Group participates in several uncommitted accounts receivable factoring and related programs with various financial institutions for certain receivables, accounted for as true sales of receivables, without recourse to the Group. Receivables of $
15. Contract assets
The following table provides information about significant changes in contract assets:
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
At January 1, | | | ||
Transfers from contract assets recognized at beginning of year to receivables |
| ( |
| ( |
Increases as a result of new contract assets recognized during the year |
| |
| |
Other (including exchange) |
| ( |
| |
Balance as at December 31, |
| |
| |
16. Cash and cash equivalents
At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Cash at bank and in hand |
| |
| |
Short term bank deposits | | — | ||
Restricted cash |
| |
| |
| |
| |
17. Issued capital and share premium
Share capital and share premium
Issued and fully paid shares:
Total shares | Share capital | Share premium | ||||
(million) | $'m | $'m | ||||
At December 31, 2020 | – | – | – | |||
Share issuance | | | | |||
At December 31, 2021 | | | |
On completion of the AMP Transfer on April 1, 2021, AMPSA issued
There were no other material share transactions in the year ended December 31, 2021.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-44
18. Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: capital risk, interest rate, currency exchange risk, commodity price risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.
Capital structure and risk
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide returns to its shareholders. The Group funds its operations primarily from the following sources of capital: borrowings, cash flow and shareholders’ capital. The Group aims to achieve a capital structure that results in an appropriate cost of capital to accommodate material investments or acquisitions, while providing flexibility in short and medium term funding. The Group also aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and to provide continuity of financing by having a range of maturities and borrowing from a variety of sources.
The Group’s overall treasury objectives are to ensure sufficient funds are available for the Group to carry out its strategy and to manage certain financial risks to which the Group is exposed, details of which are provided below. The Group’s finance committee reviews and monitors the capital structure, financial policies and treasury function of the Company in addition to advising the board of directors on whether to approve financing agreements or arrangements.
Financial risks are managed on the advice of Group Treasury and senior management in conjunction with the finance committee. The Group does not permit the use of treasury instruments for speculative purposes, under any circumstances. Group Treasury regularly reviews the level of cash and debt facilities required to fund the Group’s activities, plans for repayment and refinancing of debt, and identifies an appropriate amount of headroom to provide a reserve against unexpected funding requirements.
The Group’s long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to the Group’s growth investment program and the servicing of our debt obligations. We expect to satisfy our future long-term liquidity needs through a combination of cash flow generated from operations and, where appropriate, to raise additional financing and to refinance our debt obligations in advance of their respective maturity. The Group generates substantial cash flow from our operations on an annual basis. The Group had $
Additionally, financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, are used to hedge exposure to interest rate, currency exchange risk and commodity price risk.
One of the Group’s key metrics is the ratio of consolidated external net debt as a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is the profit or loss for the period before income tax charge or credit, net finance expense, depreciation and amortization and exceptional operating items. As at December 31, 2021 the ratio was
Interest rate
At December 31, 2021, the Group’s external borrowings were
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-45
Currency exchange risk
The Group presents its consolidated financial information in U.S. dollar. The functional currency of the Company is the euro.
The Group operates in
As a result of the consolidated financial statements being presented in U.S. dollar, the Group’s results are also impacted by fluctuations in the U.S. dollar exchange rate versus the euro.
The Group has a limited level of transactional currency exposure arising from sales or purchases by operating units in currencies other than their functional currencies.
The Group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk. Currency exposure arising from the net assets of the Group’s foreign operations is managed primarily through borrowings and swaps denominated in the Group’s principal foreign currencies.
Fluctuations in the value of these currencies with respect to the euro functional currency may have a significant impact on the Group’s financial condition and results of operations. The Group believes that a strengthening of the euro exchange rate (the functional currency) by
Commodity price risk
The Group is exposed to changes in prices of its main raw materials, primarily energy and aluminum. Production costs are exposed to changes in prices of our main raw materials, primarily aluminum. Aluminum ingot is traded daily as a commodity on the London Metal Exchange, which has historically been subject to significant price volatility. Because aluminum is priced in U.S. dollar, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/euro rate also affect the euro cost of aluminum ingot. The price and foreign currency risk on the aluminum purchases in Europe and in Americas are hedged by entering into swaps under which we pay fixed euro and U.S dollar prices, respectively. Furthermore, the relative price of oil and its by-products may materially impact our business, affecting our transport, lacquer and ink costs.
Where we do not have pass through sales contracts in relation to the underlying raw material cost, the Group uses derivative agreements to manage this risk. The Group depends on an active liquid market and available credit lines with counterparty banks to cover this risk. The use of derivative contracts to manage our risk is dependent on robust hedging procedures. Increasing raw material costs over time has the potential, if we are unable to pass on price increases, to reduce sales volume and could therefore have a significant impact on our financial condition. The Group is also exposed to possible interruptions of supply of aluminum and steel or other raw materials and any inability to purchase raw materials could negatively impact our operations.
As a result of the volatility of gas and electricity prices, the Group has developed an active hedging strategy to fix a significant proportion of its energy costs through contractual arrangements directly with our suppliers. The Group policy is to purchase gas and electricity by entering into forward price-fixing arrangements with suppliers for the majority of our anticipated requirements for the year ahead. Such contracts are used exclusively to obtain delivery of our anticipated energy supplies. The Group does not net settle, nor do we sell within a short period of time after taking delivery. The Group avails of the own use exemption and, therefore, these contracts are treated as executory contracts. The Group
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-46
typically builds up these contractual positions in tranches of approximately
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from derivative contracts, cash and investments held with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to the customers of the Group, including outstanding receivables. The policy of the Group is to invest excess liquidity, only with recognized and reputable financial institutions. For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of “BBB+” from at least
Group policy is to extend credit to customers of good credit standing. Credit risk is managed on an on-going basis, by experienced people within the Group. The Group’s policy for the management of credit risk in relation to trade receivables involves periodically assessing the financial reliability of customers, taking into account their financial position, past experience and other factors. Provisions are made, where deemed necessary, and the utilization of credit limits is regularly monitored. Management does not expect any significant counterparty to fail to meet its obligations. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each asset. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the
Surplus cash held by the operating entities over and above the balance required for working capital management is transferred to Group Treasury, where practically possible. Group Treasury invests surplus cash in interest-bearing current accounts and bank time deposits with appropriate maturities to provide sufficient headroom as determined by the below-mentioned forecasts.
Liquidity risk
The Group is exposed to liquidity risk which arises primarily from the maturing of short term and long term debt obligations and from the normal liquidity cycle of the business throughout the course of a year. The Group’s policy has been to ensure that sufficient resources are available either from cash balances, cash flows or undrawn committed bank facilities, to ensure all obligations can be met as they fall due.
To effectively manage liquidity risk, the Group:
● | has committed borrowing facilities that it can access to meet liquidity needs; |
● | maintains cash balances and liquid investments with highly-rated counterparties; |
● | limits the maturity of cash balances; |
● | borrows the bulk of its debt needs under long term fixed rate debt securities; and |
● | has internal control processes to manage liquidity risk. |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-47
Cash flow forecasting is performed in the operating entities of the Group and is aggregated by Group Treasury. Group Treasury monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet operational needs while maintaining sufficient headroom on its undrawn committed borrowing facilities at all times so that the Group does not breach borrowing limits or covenants on any of its borrowing facilities. Such forecasting takes into consideration the Group’s debt financing plans.
19. Financial assets and liabilities
The Group’s net debt was as follows:
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Loan notes | | — | ||
Related party borrowings |
| — |
| |
Other borrowings |
| |
| |
Net borrowings |
| |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| ( |
| ( |
Net debt |
| |
| |
The Group’s net borrowings of $
At December 31, 2021, the Group’s net debt and available liquidity was as follows:
|
| Maximum |
| Final |
|
|
|
| ||||||
amount | maturity | Facility | Available | |||||||||||
Facility | Currency | drawable | date | type | Amount drawn | liquidity | ||||||||
Local | Local |
| ||||||||||||
currency | currency | $'m | $'m | |||||||||||
m | m |
| ||||||||||||
| EUR |
| |
| 01-Sep-28 | Bullet |
| |
| | – | |||
USD | | 01-Sep-28 | Bullet | | | – | ||||||||
EUR | | 01-Sep-29 | Bullet | | | – | ||||||||
USD | | 01-Sep-29 | Bullet | | | – | ||||||||
Global Asset Based Loan Facility | USD | | 06-Aug-26 | Revolving | – | – | | |||||||
Lease obligations |
| Various |
| – |
| – | Amortizing |
| – |
| | – | ||
Other borrowings |
| Various |
| – |
| Rolling | Amortizing |
| – | | – | |||
Total borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | |
Deferred debt issue costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( | – | |
Net borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ( |
| |
Net debt / available liquidity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
A number of the Group’s borrowing agreements contain certain covenants that restrict the Group’s flexibility in areas such as incurrence of additional indebtedness (primarily maximum secured borrowings to Adjusted EBITDA and a minimum Adjusted EBITDA to interest expense), payment of dividends and incurrence of liens. The Global Asset Based Loan Facility is subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant if 90% or more of the facility is drawn. The facility also
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-48
includes cash dominion, representations, warranties, events of default and other covenants that are of a nature customary for such facilities.
At December 31, 2020 the Group’s net debt and available liquidity was as follows:
Amount | Available | |||
Facility | drawn | liquidity | ||
$'m | $'m | |||
Related party borrowings | | — | ||
Lease obligations | | — | ||
Other borrowings | | — | ||
Net borrowings | | — | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | ( | | ||
Net debt / available liquidity | | |
The following table summarizes the Group’ movement in net debt:
At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Net (increase)/decrease in cash and cash equivalents per consolidated statement of cash flows* | ( | | ||
Increase in net borrowings | | | ||
(Decrease)/increase in net debt | ( | | ||
Net debt at January 1, | | | ||
Net debt at December 31, | | |
* | Includes exchange (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents |
The decrease in net debt primarily includes proceeds from borrowings of $
Maturity profile
The maturity profile of the Group’s total borrowings is as follows:
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Within one year or on demand |
| |
| |
Between one and two years |
| |
| |
Between two and five years |
| |
| |
Greater than five years |
| |
| |
Total borrowings |
| |
| |
Deferred debt issue costs |
| ( |
| — |
Net borrowings |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-49
Included within total borrowings greater than five years is the Group’s Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes of $
The maturity profile of the contractual undiscounted cash flows related to the Group’s lease liabilities is as follows:
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Not later than one year |
| |
| |
Later than one year and not later than five years |
| |
| |
Later than five years |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities (including interest payable) into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contracted undiscounted cash flows.
Derivative | ||||||
Total | financial | Trade | ||||
borrowings | instruments | payables | ||||
At 31 December, 2021 |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
Within one year or on demand |
| |
| |
| |
Between one and two years |
| |
| |
| — |
Between two and five years |
| |
| — |
| — |
Greater than five years |
| |
| — |
| — |
Derivative | ||||||
Total | financial | Trade | ||||
borrowings | instruments | payables | ||||
At 31 December, 2020 |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
Within one year or on demand |
| |
| |
| |
Between one and two years |
| |
| |
| — |
Between two and five years |
| |
| — |
| — |
Greater than five years |
| |
| — |
| — |
The carrying amount and fair value of the Group’s borrowings excluding lease obligations are as follows:
Carrying value | ||||||||
Amount | Deferred debt | |||||||
drawn | issue costs | Total | Fair value | |||||
At December 31, 2021 | $'m | $'m | $'m | $'m | ||||
Loan notes |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
Other borrowings | | ( | | | ||||
| ( | | |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-50
Carrying value | ||||||||
Amount | Deferred debt | |||||||
drawn | issue costs | Total | Fair value | |||||
At December 31, 2020 | $'m | $'m | $'m | $'m | ||||
Related party borrowings | | — | | | ||||
Other borrowings | | — | | | ||||
| — | | |
AMP Promissory Note
From the AMP Transfer date of April 1, 2021, the Group had an outstanding obligation of $
Earnout Shares and Warrants
Please refer to note 21 for further details about the recognition and measurement of the Earnout Shares as well as the Public and Private Warrants.
Financing activity
2021
On March 12, 2021, the Group, in connection with the transaction related to the combination of Ardagh Metal Packaging with Gores Holdings V, issued €
On March 24, 2021 and March 30, 2021, historical related party debt of $
On April 1, 2021, upon the consummation of the AMP Transfer, historical related party debt of $
On August 6, 2021, AMPSA and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Global Asset Based Loan Facility in the amount of $
Lease obligations at December 31, 2021 of $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-51
Effective interest rates
2021 | |||
USD | EUR | ||
The interest rates applicable to the Group’s net borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2020 range from
2021 | 2020 | ||
Various Currencies | |||
Lease obligations |
The carrying amounts of net borrowings are denominated in the following currencies.
| At December 31, | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Euro |
| |
| |
U.S. dollar |
| |
| |
GBP |
| |
| |
Other |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The Group has the following undrawn borrowing facilities:
At December 31, | ||||
2021 |
| 2020 | ||
$'m | $'m | |||
Expiring beyond one year | | — | ||
| — |
Fair value methodology
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments:
Level 1 | Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; |
Level 2 | Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and |
Level 3 | Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). |
There were
Fair values are calculated as follows:
(i) | Senior secured and senior notes – the fair value of debt securities in issue is based on valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are based on observable market data and represent Level 2 inputs. |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-52
(ii) | Global Asset Based Loan facility and other borrowings – the fair values of the borrowings in issue is based on valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are based on observable market data and represent Level 2 inputs. |
(iii) | Commodity and foreign exchange derivatives – the fair value of these derivatives are based on quoted market prices and represent Level 2 inputs. |
(iv) | Earnout Shares, Private and Public Warrants - the fair values of the Earnout Shares and Private Warrants are based on valuation techniques using an unobservable volatility assumption which represents Level 3 inputs, whereas the fair value of the Public Warrants is based on an observable market price and represents a Level 1 input. |
Derivative financial instruments
Assets | Liabilities | Total | ||||
Contractual | ||||||
Fair | Fair | or notional | ||||
values | values | amounts | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Fair Value Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metal forward contracts |
| |
| |
| |
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| |
| |
| |
NYMEX gas swaps |
| |
| — |
| |
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| |
Included within the $
Assets | Liabilities | Total | ||||
Contractual | ||||||
Fair | Fair | or notional | ||||
values | values | amounts | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Fair Value Derivatives |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metal forward contracts |
| |
| |
| |
Forward foreign exchange contracts |
| |
| |
| |
NYMEX gas swaps |
| — |
| — |
| |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
| |
| |
All of the fair value assets and fair value liabilities at December 31, 2020, have been transacted by AGSA.
Derivative instruments with a fair value of $
All cash payments in relation to derivative instruments are paid or received when they mature.
The Group mitigates the counterparty risk for derivatives by contracting with major financial institutions which have high credit ratings. Certain derivative instruments have been entered into with external counterparties by AGSA on behalf of the Group and on the back of those related party derivatives between AGSA and the Group have been executed, the impact of which have been included in the consolidated financial statements.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-53
Metal forward contracts
The Group hedges a portion of its anticipated metal purchases. Excluding conversion and freight costs, the physical metal deliveries are priced based on the applicable indices agreed with the suppliers for the relevant month. The Group determines the existence of an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument based on common indices used. Ineffectiveness may arise if there are changes in the forecasted transaction in terms pricing, timing or quantities, or if there are changes in the credit risk of the Group or the counterparty. The Group applies a hedge ratio of
Fair values have been based on quoted market prices and are valued using Level 2 valuation inputs. The fair value of these contracts when initiated is $
Forward foreign exchange contracts
The Group operates in a number of currencies and, accordingly, hedges a portion of its currency transaction risk. Certain forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are set so to closely match the critical terms of the underlying cash flows. In hedges of forecasted foreign currency sales and purchases ineffectiveness may arise for similar reasons as outlined for metal forward contracts.
The fair values are based on Level 2 valuation techniques and observable inputs including the contract prices. The fair value of these contracts when initiated is $
NYMEX gas swaps
The Group hedges a portion of its anticipated energy purchases on the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”).
Fair values have been based on NYMEX quoted market prices and Level 2 valuation inputs have been applied. The fair value of these contracts when initiated is $
20. Employee benefit obligations
The Group operates defined benefit or defined contribution pension schemes in most of its countries of operation and the assets are held in separately administered funds. The principal funded defined benefit schemes, which are funded by contributions to separately administered funds, are in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Other defined benefit schemes are unfunded and the provision is recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. The principal unfunded schemes are in Germany.
The contribution rates to the funded plans are agreed with the Trustee boards, plan actuaries and the local pension regulators periodically. The contributions paid in each period were those recommended by the actuaries.
In addition, the Group has other employee benefit obligations in certain territories.
Total employee benefit obligations, net of employee benefit assets included within non-current assets, recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position of $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-54
The employee obligations and assets of the defined benefit schemes included in the consolidated statement of financial position are analyzed below:
Germany | UK* | U.S and Other** | Total | |||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m |
| $'m | |
Obligations |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ( |
| ( | |
Assets |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Net obligations |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
* The net employee benefit asset in the UK as at December 31, 2021 is included within non-current assets on the statement of financial position (2020: included on a net basis within non-current liabilities).
**Net obligation of ‘Other’ at December 31, 2021; $
Defined benefit pension schemes
The amounts recognized in the consolidated income statement are:
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Current service cost and administration costs: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales – current service cost (note 9) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cost of sales – past service credit (note 9) |
| |
| |
| |
SGA – current service cost (note 9) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| | |
Finance expense (note 6) |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
The amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are:
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Re-measurement of defined benefit obligation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from changes in demographic assumptions |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from changes in financial assumptions |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from changes in experience |
| |
| |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( | |
Re-measurement of plan assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual return less expected return on plan assets |
| |
| |
| |
Actuarial gain/(loss) for the year on defined benefit pension schemes |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Actuarial gain/(loss) on other long term and end of service employee benefits |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
The actual return on plan assets was a gain of $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-55
Movement in the defined benefit obligations and assets:
Obligations | Assets | |||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
At January 1, |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| |
Interest income |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
Loan forgiveness (note 5) | | — | — | — | ||||
Current service cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
Past service credit |
| |
| |
| — |
| — |
Interest cost |
| ( |
| ( |
| — |
| — |
Re-measurements |
| |
| ( |
| |
| |
Employer contributions |
| — |
| — |
| |
| |
Employee contributions |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| |
Benefits paid |
| |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Exchange |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
At December 31, |
| ( |
| ( |
| |
| |
The defined benefit obligations above include $
Interest income and interest cost above does not include interest cost of $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group and the Trustees of the UK schemes collaborated to implement a Bridging Pension Option for members on retirement around the starting level of pensions until the State Pension Age. This resulted in the recognition of a gain of $
Plan assets comprise:
At December 31, | ||||||||
2021 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |||||
| $’m |
| % | $’m |
| % | ||
Equities | — | — | — | — | ||||
Target return funds |
| |
| | |
| | |
Bonds |
| |
| | |
| | |
Cash/other |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
| | |
| |
The pension assets do not include any of the Group’s ordinary shares, other securities or other Group assets.
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-56
Investment strategy
The choice of investments takes account of the expected maturity of the future benefit payments. The plans invest in diversified portfolios consisting of an array of asset classes that attempt to maximize returns while minimizing volatility. The asset classes include fixed income government and non-government securities and real estate, as well as cash.
Characteristics and associated risks
The pension plans in Germany operate under the framework of German Company Pension Law (BetrAVG) and general regulations based on German Labor Law. The entitlements of the plan members depend on years of service and final salary. Furthermore, the plans provide lifelong pensions. No separate assets are held in trust, i.e. the plans are unfunded defined benefit plans. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Group elected to re-design its pension scheme in Germany, moving to a contribution orientated scheme.
The U.K. pension plan is a trust-based U.K. funded final salary defined benefit scheme providing pensions and lump sum benefits to members and dependents. There is one pension plan in place relating to Ardagh Metal Beverage UK Limited and Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading UK Limited. It is closed to new entrants and was closed to future accrual effective December 31, 2018. For this plan, pensions are calculated either based on service to December 31, 2018, with members’ benefits based on earnings as at December 31, 2018, for those members who were still active at that date, or based on service to the earlier of retirement or leaving date for members who stopped accruing benefits prior to 31 December 2018 based on earnings as at retirement or leaving date. The U.K. pension plan is governed by a board of trustees, which includes members who are independent of the Company. The trustees are responsible for managing the operation, funding and investment strategy. The U.K. pension plan is subject to the U.K. regulatory framework, the requirements of The Pensions Regulator and is subject to a statutory funding objective.
Our North American business within our Americas segment sponsors a defined benefit pension plan as a single employer scheme which is subject to Federal law (“ERISA”), reflecting regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the U.S. Department of Labor. The North American plan covers hourly employees only. Plan benefits are determined using a formula which reflects the employees’ years of service and is based on a final average pay formula. Prior to December 31, 2021 the North American plan was previously co-sponsored by Ardagh Glass Packaging North America. Following the outcome of the exchange offer launched on September 7, 2021 and as set out in note 1, common ownership fell below the
Assumptions and sensitivities
The principal pension assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements take account of the different economic circumstances in the countries of operations and the different characteristics of the respective plans, including the duration of the obligations. The ranges of the principal assumptions applied in estimating defined benefit obligations were:
Germany | UK | U.S. | ||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % |
| % | |
Rates of inflation |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Rates of increase in salaries |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Discount rates |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-57
Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are based on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and experience.
These assumptions translate into the following average life expectancy in years for a pensioner retiring at age 65. The mortality assumptions for the countries with the most significant defined benefit plans are set out below:
Germany |
| UK |
| U.S. | ||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years |
| Years | |
Life expectancy, current pensioners |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Life expectancy, future pensioners |
|
|
|
|
|
|
If the discount rate were to decrease by
If the inflation rate were to decrease by
If the salary increase rate were to decrease by
The impact of increasing the life expectancy by one year would result in an increase in the net pension obligation of the Group of $
The Group’s best estimate of contributions expected to be paid to defined benefit schemes in 2022 is approximately $
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-58
The principal defined benefit schemes are described briefly below as of December 31:
Europe | Europe | North | ||||
UK | Germany | America | ||||
Nature of the schemes |
| Funded* |
| Unfunded |
| Funded |
2021 | ||||||
Active members |
| — |
| |
| |
Deferred members |
| |
| |
| |
Pensioners including dependents |
| |
| |
| |
Weighted average duration (years) |
|
|
| |||
2020 | ||||||
Active members |
| — |
| |
| |
Deferred members |
| |
| |
| |
Pensioners including dependents |
| |
| |
| |
Weighted average duration (years) |
|
|
|
* | Census data is updated every 3 years as part of the full valuation for purpose of the UK pension regulator. |
The expected total benefit payments over the next five years are:
Subsequent | ||||||||||||
2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | five years | |||||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Benefits |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The Group also has defined contribution plans; the contribution expense associated with these plans for 2021 was $
Other employee benefits
Long term employee benefit obligations of $
21. Other liabilities and provisions
At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | |||
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Other liabilities | ||||
Non-current | | — | ||
Provisions | ||||
Current | |
| | |
Non-current | |
| | |
|
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-59
Other liabilities
As described in note 1 and resulting from the AMP Transfer, AGSA has a contingent right to receive up to
As further outlined in note 1, all warrants previously exercisable for the purchase of shares in Gores Holdings V were converted into AMPSA warrants exercisable for the purchase of shares in AMPSA at an exercise price of $
Provisions
Total | ||
provisions | ||
| $’m | |
At January 1, 2020 |
| |
Provided |
| |
Released |
| ( |
Paid |
| ( |
Exchange | | |
At December 31, 2020 |
| |
Provided |
| |
Released |
| ( |
Paid |
| ( |
Exchange |
| ( |
At December 31, 2021 |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-60
Provisions relate mainly to probable environmental claims, customer quality claims and tax deferrals arising from the CARES Act. In addition to the aforementioned, provisions also includes non-current amounts in respect of annual, long term (
The provisions classified as current are expected to be paid in the next twelve months. The timing of non-current provisions is subject to uncertainty.
22. Trade and other payables
| At December 31, | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
Note |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Trade payables |
|
| |
| |
Other payables and accruals including other tax and social security payable |
| |
| | |
Payables and accruals for exceptional items |
| |
| | |
Related party payables | 25 | | — | ||
| |
| |
The fair values of trade and other payables approximate the amounts shown above.
Other payables and accruals mainly comprise accruals for operating expenses, deferred income and value added tax payable.
Trade Payables Processing
Certain of the Group’s suppliers have access to independent third-party payable processors. The processors allow suppliers, if they choose, to sell their receivables to financial institutions at the sole discretion of both the supplier and the financial institution. We have no involvement in the sale of these receivables and the suppliers are at liberty to use these arrangements if they wish to receive early payment. As the original liability to our suppliers, including amounts due and scheduled payment dates, remains as agreed in our supply agreements and is neither legally extinguished nor substantially modified, the Group continues to present such obligations within trade payables.
23. Cash generated from operating activities
Year ended | ||||||
December 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
(Loss)/profit for the year |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Income tax charge (note 7) |
| |
| |
| |
Net finance expense (note 6) |
| |
| |
| |
Depreciation and amortization (notes 10, 11) |
| |
| |
| |
Exceptional operating items (note 5) |
| |
| |
| |
Movement in working capital |
| |
| |
| |
Exceptional costs paid, including restructuring |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
Cash generated from operations |
| |
| |
| |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-61
24. Other reserves
Foreign | ||||||||||
currency | Cash flow | Cost of | Total | |||||||
translation | hedge | hedging | Other | other | ||||||
reserve | reserve | reserve | reserves | reserves | ||||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | $’m |
| $’m | ||
January 1, 2019 |
| |
| ( |
| | — |
| ( | |
Total other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year |
| |
| ( |
| ( | — |
| ( | |
Hedging losses transferred to cost of inventory |
| — |
| |
| — | — |
| | |
December 31, 2019 |
| |
| ( |
| — | — |
| ( |
January 1, 2020 |
| |
| ( |
| — | — |
| ( | |
Total other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year |
| ( |
| |
| — | — |
| ( | |
Hedging losses transferred to cost of inventory |
| — |
| |
| — | — |
| | |
December 31, 2020 |
| ( |
| |
| — | — |
| ( |
January 1, 2021 |
| ( |
| |
| — | — |
| ( | |
Total other comprehensive income for the year pre AMP Transfer |
| |
| |
| — | — |
| | |
Hedging gains transferred to cost of inventory pre AMP Transfer |
| — |
| ( |
| — | — |
| ( | |
Capital contribution (note 19) | — | — | — | | | |||||
AMP Transfer (1) | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||
Business Combination (2) | — | — | — | | | |||||
Total other comprehensive income for the period post AMP Transfer | ( | | — | — | | |||||
Hedging gains transferred to cost of inventory post AMP Transfer | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||
December 31, 2021 |
| ( |
| |
| — | ( |
| ( |
(1) The AMP Transfer was accounted for as a capital reorganization as, prior to such transactions, AMPSA did not meet the definition of a business under IFRS 3 (Business Combination). Under a capital reorganization, the consolidated financial statements of AMPSA reflect the net assets transferred at pre-combination predecessor book values. The impact to other reserves has been calculated as follows:
$’m | ||
Equity issued to AGSA (see note 17) | | |
AMP Promissory Note (see note 19) | | |
Cash payment (see cash flow statement) | | |
Initial fair value of Earnout Shares (see note 21) | | |
Total consideration given | | |
Less aggregate carrying value of net assets acquired * | ( | |
Impact from predecessor accounting | | |
Non-cash capital contribution (see note 19) | ( | |
Other reserves on AMP Transfer at date of reorganization | | |
Total impact on other reserves | |
Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A.
F-62
*Included within the carrying value of the net assets acquired is $
(2) Management exercised significant judgment when accounting for the Merger under IFRS 2. The difference in the fair value of equity instruments issued by AMPSA, over the fair value of identifiable net assets of Gores Holdings V (including the fair value of assumed Gores Public and Private Warrants of $
Shares | $’m | |||
Class A stockholders | | |||
Class F stockholders | | |||
Total shares to be issued to Gores Holdings V stockholders | | |||
Market value per share at the Closing Date | $ | |||
Fair value of shares to be issued to Gores Holdings V in consideration for combination | | |||
Net assets of Gores Holdings V at Closing Date (including fair value of assumed Public and Private Warrants as discussed in note 21) | | |||
Difference - being IFRS 2 cost for listing services | |
The cost for the listing service of $
25. Related party transactions and information
(i) | Interests of Paul Coulson |
As of February 22, 2022, the approval date of these financial statements, ARD Holdings S.A., the ultimate parent company of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. is controlled by Paul Coulson, our Chairman, who controls ARD Holdings S.A. as a result of his
(ii) | Common directorships |
Paul Coulson, Shaun Murphy, Yves Elsen, John Sheehan, Hermanus Troskie, Oliver Graham, Abigail Blunt, The Rt. Hon. the Lord Hammond of Runnymede, Damien O’ Brien and Edward White who serve as directors on the board of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. also serve as directors on the board of AGSA. Paul Coulson, Shaun Murphy, Yves
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Elsen, John Sheehan and Hermanus Troskie who serve as directors on the board of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. also serve as directors on the board of ARD Holdings S.A..
(iii) Yeoman Capital S.A.
At December 31, 2021, Yeoman Capital S.A. owned
(iv) Key management compensation
Key management are those persons who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. Key management is comprised of the members who served on the Board and the Group’s executive leadership team during the reporting period. Key management include individuals who provide services to AMP while the related costs are fully borne by Ardagh Group. An allocation of the compensation attributable for these services is included below. The amount outstanding at year end was $
Salaries and other short-term employee benefits related to key management for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $
In addition, subsidiaries of Ardagh Group, which do not form part of the Group, incurred transaction-related and other compensation for key management during the year of $
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the key management personnel of Ardagh Group have controlled and directed the operations of the AMP Business as it was not managed separately. Payments to these personnel were primarily made by Ardagh Group which does not form part of the AMP Business. It is not possible to determine with certainty the charges that the AMP Business received for the mentioned key personnel, although a portion of the key management compensation was included in the corporate costs allocated to the AMP Business.
(v) Pension scheme
The pension schemes are related parties. For details of all transactions during the year, please see notes 5 and 20.
(vi) Cyber Security Incident Indemnity with AGSA – see note 27.
(vii) Services Agreement between AMPSA and AGSA – see note 1. A net charge of $
(viii) The Business Combination Agreement and Transfer Agreement – see note 1.
(ix) Issuance of Shares to AGSA – see note 17.
(x) AMP Promissory Note – see note 19.
(xi) Settlement of related party loans – see notes 5 and 19.
(xii) Earnout Shares – see notes 1 and 21.
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(xiii) Derivative financial instruments – see note 19.
(xiv) Other related party transactions – the table below reflects the following related party transactions recorded through invested capital in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
For the period ended | For the year ended | |||||
March 31, | December 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||
| $’m |
| $’m |
| $’m | |
Net cash received from/(remitted to) Ardagh |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Tax offset in invested capital |
| ( |
| |
| ( |
Other changes in intercompany balances |
| |
| ( |
| — |
| |
| ( |
| ( |
Other changes in intercompany balances represent unsettled amounts between the Group and Ardagh in relation to the transactions listed above.
With the exception of the balances outlined in (i) to (xiv) above, there are no material balances outstanding with related parties at December 31, 2021.
(xv) Subsidiaries
The following table provides information relating to our principal operating subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned at December 31, 2021:
Country of | ||
Company |
| incorporation |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Manufacturing Austria GmbH |
| Austria |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Austria GmbH |
| Austria |
Latas Indústria de Embalagens de Alumínio do Brasil Ltda. |
| Brazil |
Ardagh Indústria de Embalagens de Metálicas do Brasil Ltda. |
| Brazil |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading France SAS |
| France |
Ardagh Metal Beverage France SAS |
| France |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Germany GmbH |
| Germany |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Germany GmbH |
| Germany |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Netherlands B.V. |
| Netherlands |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Netherlands B.V. |
| Netherlands |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Poland Sp. z o.o |
| Poland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Poland Sp. z o.o |
| Poland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading Spain SL |
| Spain |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Spain SL |
| Spain |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Europe GmbH |
| Switzerland |
Ardagh Metal Beverage Trading UK Limited |
| United Kingdom |
Ardagh Metal Beverage UK Limited |
| United Kingdom |
Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc. |
| United States |
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A number of the above legal entities act as subsidiary guarantor for the debt of Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. as of December 31, 2021.
26. Contingencies
Environmental issues
The Group is regulated under various national and local environmental, occupational health and safety and other governmental laws and regulations relating to:
● | the operation of installations for manufacturing of metal packaging and surface treatment using solvents; |
● | the generation, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials; |
● | the emission of substances and physical agents into the environment; |
● | the discharge of waste water and disposal of waste; |
● | the remediation of contamination; |
● | the design, characteristics, collection and recycling of its packaging products; and |
● | the manufacturing and servicing of machinery and equipment for the container metal packaging industry. |
The Group believes, based on current information that it is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and permit requirements. It does not believe it will be required, under existing or anticipated future environmental laws and regulations, to expend amounts, over and above the amounts accrued, which will have a material effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations or cash flows. In addition, no material proceedings against the Group arising under environmental laws are pending.
Legal matter
The Group is involved in certain legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. The Group believes that none of these proceedings, either individually or in aggregate, are expected to have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
27. Other information
Cyber Security Incident
On May 17, 2021, the Group announced that it had experienced a cyber security incident, the response to which included pro-actively shutting down certain IT systems and applications used by the business. Key systems were brought back online securely, in a phased manner and in line with our plan. Production at all of our manufacturing facilities continued to operate throughout this period, though we experienced some shipping delays as a result of this incident.
We believe that our existing information technology control environment is appropriately robust and consistent with industry standards. However, we are reviewing our information technology roadmap and accelerating planned IT investments to further improve the effectiveness of our information security. We do not believe that our growth investment program has been impacted by this incident. The Group notified relevant authorities in relation to the exfiltration and dissemination of data which arose in connection with this incident.
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AMPSA entered into a letter agreement with AGSA, dated May 21, 2021, under which AGSA agreed to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company and its subsidiaries and their respective successors from and against any and all losses that could be anticipated to arise prior to December 31, 2021, resulting from this cyber security incident. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Group incurred $
28. Events after the reporting period
There have been no events subsequent to December 31, 2021 which would require disclosure in this report.
29. Company Financial Information
This note has been included in these financial statements in accordance with the requirements of Regulation S-X rule 12.04 Condensed financial information of registrant. The financial information provided below relates to the individual company financial statements for Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. as presented in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The statement of comprehensive income and the statement of cash flows reflect the period since the date of incorporation on January 20, 2021 and hence no comparative periods have been presented.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS have been condensed or omitted. The footnote disclosures contain supplemental information only and, as such, these statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The company financial information has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the consolidated financial statements, except that investments in subsidiaries are included at cost less any provision for impairment in value.
The functional currency of the Company is euro and accordingly, the company financial information set out below is presented in euro.
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(i) Statement of financial position
At December 31, | |
2021 | |
€’m | |
Non-current assets | |
Investments in subsidiary undertakings | |
| |
Current assets | |
Amounts receivable from subsidiary undertakings | |
Other receivables and prepayments | |
| |
Total assets | |
Equity attributable to owners of the parent | |
Issued capital | |
Share premium | |
Other reserves | ( |
Retained earnings | ( |
Total equity | |
Non-current liabilities | |
Amounts payable to related parties (iv) | |
Other liabilities (v) | |
| |
Total liabilities | |
Total equity and liabilities | |
(ii) Statement of comprehensive income
Year ended December 31, | |
2021 | |
€’m | |
Dividend income | |
Other external charges | ( |
Finance income | |
Profit before exceptional items | |
Exceptional operating costs | ( |
Exceptional finance costs | ( |
Loss before tax | ( |
Income tax | — |
Loss and total comprehensive income for the year | ( |
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(iii) Statement of cash flows
Year ended December 31, | |
2021 | |
€’m | |
Cash flows from operating activities | |
Cash used in operations | ( |
Net cash used in operating activities | ( |
Cash flows from investing activities | |
Contribution to subsidiary undertaking | ( |
Net cash used in investing activities | ( |
Cash flows from financing activities | |
Repayment of borrowings | ( |
Proceeds from share issuance | |
Dividends received | |
Net cash outflow from financing activities | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | ( |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | — |
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | — |
(iv) Amounts payable to related parties
Amounts payable to related parties at December 31, 2021 relate to the Earnout Shares which are issuable by AMPSA to AGSA - see note 21 and 25.
(v) Other liabilities
Other liabilities relate to the Warrants – see note 21.
(vi) Exceptional costs
Exceptional operating costs of €
(vii) Contribution to subsidiary undertaking
During the year the Company made a capital contribution of €
(viii) Proceeds from share issuance
During the year, PIPE Investors subscribed for and purchased shares of the Company for an aggregate cash amount of €
(ix) Dividends received
During the year the Company received a dividend of €
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(x) Commitments and contingencies
The Company has guaranteed certain liabilities of a number of its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2021 including guarantees under Section 357 of the Irish Companies Act, 2014 and Section 264 of the German Commercial Code. Furthermore, the Company has assumed joined and several liability in accordance with Section 403, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code for the liabilities of a number of its Dutch subsidiaries.
With exception of the above guarantees the Company had no commitments and contingencies at December 31, 2021.
(xi) Additional information
The following reconciliations are provided as additional information to satisfy the Schedule I SEC
Requirements for parent-only financial information and are presented in both euro and U.S. dollars.
Year ended December 31, | ||
2021 | 2021 | |
€’m | $'m | |
IFRS loss reconciliation: | ||
Parent only-IFRS equity | ( | ( |
Additional loss if subsidiaries had been accounted for using the equity method of accounting as opposed to cost | ( | ( |
Consolidated IFRS loss for the year | ( | ( |
At December 31, | ||
2021 | 2021 | |
€’m | $'m | |
IFRS equity reconciliation: | ||
Parent only-IFRS equity | ||
Additional loss if subsidiaries had been accounted for using the equity method of accounting as opposed to cost | ( | ( |
Consolidated-IFRS equity | | |
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