2015 operating profit shoots up 66.1% at Ahlstrom
February 25, 2016 - Finland
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items shot up 66.1 per cent year over year to €47.5 million, representing 4.4 per cent of net sales, at Finland based Ahlstrom for 2015.
As per an Ahlstrom press release, in terms of operating profit and margin, it reached a record in the current business portfolio structure of the company.
Ahlstrom’s net sales rose by 7.4 per cent year on year to €1,074.7 million in 2015, mainly from a favourable currency effect as higher selling prices and better product mix were offset by lower sales volumes.
The nonwoven fabric producer’s balance sheet strengthened in the reporting year and gearing ratio came down to 65.4 per cent from 79.3 per cent.
“This was achieved through the best operating cash flow in three years, driven by improved profitability and lower investments, and the sale of non-core financial assets,” it explained.
Delving on the operating environment, the company said its main markets varied, depending on the region and market in question, so, unfavourable demand was experienced in some key markets.
According to the company, the slowdown was most visible in the Filtration business area, and particularly in engine filtration.
The Food and Medical business areas were also impacted by this to some extent, but as a whole it consistently improved during the year.
However, the Building and Energy businesses continued to make very good progress in terms of growth.
“Our aim is to increase shareholder value and by fulfilling this commitment we also create value to society at large,” Ahlstrom stated.
In the year under review, Ahlstrom signed a €180 million three-year revolving credit facility, replacing an existing facility.
During 2015, Ahlstrom also launched two products, Gencollect and Gencollect Color, to provide an easy and cost effective solution for collection of DNA.
The 4.8 million remaining shares held by Ahlstrom in Munksjö Oyj for total of about €44.4 million were sold in 2015.
In October, a safety week was held across all sites and offices to increase awareness on safe workplace and Ahlstrom's investor website was awarded as the best among mid-sized companies listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Among other initiatives, a new business structure was also announced to increase market and customer focus. (AR)
As per an Ahlstrom press release, in terms of operating profit and margin, it reached a record in the current business portfolio structure of the company.
Ahlstrom’s net sales rose by 7.4 per cent year on year to €1,074.7 million in 2015, mainly from a favourable currency effect as higher selling prices and better product mix were offset by lower sales volumes.
The nonwoven fabric producer’s balance sheet strengthened in the reporting year and gearing ratio came down to 65.4 per cent from 79.3 per cent.
“This was achieved through the best operating cash flow in three years, driven by improved profitability and lower investments, and the sale of non-core financial assets,” it explained.
Delving on the operating environment, the company said its main markets varied, depending on the region and market in question, so, unfavourable demand was experienced in some key markets.
According to the company, the slowdown was most visible in the Filtration business area, and particularly in engine filtration.
The Food and Medical business areas were also impacted by this to some extent, but as a whole it consistently improved during the year.
However, the Building and Energy businesses continued to make very good progress in terms of growth.
“Our aim is to increase shareholder value and by fulfilling this commitment we also create value to society at large,” Ahlstrom stated.
In the year under review, Ahlstrom signed a €180 million three-year revolving credit facility, replacing an existing facility.
During 2015, Ahlstrom also launched two products, Gencollect and Gencollect Color, to provide an easy and cost effective solution for collection of DNA.
The 4.8 million remaining shares held by Ahlstrom in Munksjö Oyj for total of about €44.4 million were sold in 2015.
In October, a safety week was held across all sites and offices to increase awareness on safe workplace and Ahlstrom's investor website was awarded as the best among mid-sized companies listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Among other initiatives, a new business structure was also announced to increase market and customer focus. (AR)