Ahlstrom Corporation: Profit warning

Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 10.10.2007 at 14.00

 

Ahlstrom's 2007 full year operating profit excluding non-recurring items is expected to be somewhat below the 2006 level (EUR 87.3 million). The primary reasons for the decrease in operating profit are continuously rising raw material and energy costs as well as the weakening demand in the Label & Packaging Papers business area.

 

The Technical Papers business area, which is part of Ahlstrom's Specialty Papers segment, as well as the FiberComposites segment are expected to improve their operating profit from 2006. 

 

Implemented growth investments and acquisitions are expected to increase Ahlstrom's net sales by over 10% compared to 2006 (EUR 1,599.1 million) despite the weaker USD.

 

Ahlstrom will publish a separate announcement regarding a profitability improvement plan for the Label & Packaging Papers business area.

 

Ahlstrom will publish its January-September interim report on October 26, 2007.

 

Ahlstrom Corporation

Jukka Moisio, President & CEO

 

 

 

Jukka Moisio, President & CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4700

Jari Mäntylä, CFO, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4768

 

 

 

 

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, such as filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates. Ahlstrom's 6,200 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2006, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange. The company website is www.ahlstrom.com.