Preliminary information on Ahlstrom's 2006 financial performance
Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 17.1.2007 at 9.00
According to Ahlstrom's preliminary information, the company's net sales in 2006 are anticipated to be EUR 1.60 billion. Operating profit is expected to be approximately EUR 96 million and profit before taxes EUR 81 million. Earnings per share is estimated to be approximately EUR 1.30.
Operating profit, excluding net non-recurring items, is expected to be approximately EUR 88 million and profit before taxes, excluding net non-recurring items, approximately EUR 73 million. Ahlstrom has booked net non-recurring costs of approximately EUR 2 million in the fourth quarter related to asset impairment in the Label & Packaging Papers business area and restructuring costs in the Filtration business area.
The overall demand in 2006 was in line with expectations, whereas high raw material and energy costs put pressure on Ahlstrom's margins, especially in the Specialty Papers segment.
Ahlstrom Corporation will publish its Financial Statements Bulletin on February 2, 2007, as previously announced.
Ahlstrom Corporation
Jukka Moisio, President & CEO, tel. +358 10 888 4700
Jari Mäntylä, CFO, tel +358 10 888 4768
Distribution:
Helsinki Stock Exchange
Main media
www.ahlstrom.com
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, e.g. in filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. The company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates, built upon the company's unique fiber expertise and innovative approach. Ahlstrom's 5,700 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.55 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.