Jun 25, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Packaging group DS Smith has reported profits for the year to 30 April 2010 that are below broker forecasts at GBP55 million ($82 million) but significantly up on last year (2009 profits GBP 16.8 million ($25 million), as IBTimes reported. Revenues were down 1.7% at GBP 2.070.6 million ($3 million)as all business segments felt the impact of lower demand. Profit before exceptional items and tax was GBP 68.3 million ($102 million). The Group incurred exceptional charges in the year of GBP 13.3 million ($20 million), of which GBP 10.2 million ($15 million)were non-cash impairment charges, principally related to the paper and packaging operation in Turkey, the sale of which was announced after the year-end. Looking forward, the Group says trading in the current financial year has started well and is in line with expectations. CEO Miles Roberts says: "We are experiencing increasing sales volumes due to the continuing recovery in market conditions. We are also benefiting from the success of our service and product offering."