Better Pricing, Product Mix Boosts Ahlstrom’s Profit

In the first quarter of 2015, Ahlstrom reported net sales of €271.8 million ($295.3 million), an increase of 9.1% compared to the first quarter of 2014. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items rose to €12 million ($13 million) compared to €7.2 million ($7.8 million) during the same period last year. Profit before taxes increased to €13.8 million ($15 million) compared to €5.2 million ($5.6 million) last year, including a €6 million ($6.5 million) capital gain booked from the sale of Munksjö Oyj shares.

Ahlstrom says the clear improvement in operating profit was driven by better pricing and product mix.

Comparable net sales at constant currencies remained flat, as better pricing and product mix were offset by lower volumes. Reported net sales growth was primarily driven by a favorable currency effect.

This was the sixth consecutive quarter of year-on-year improvement in profitability excluding non-recurring items as the Filtration and Food and Medical businesses continued to improve their performance.