10.28.15
For the third quarter of 2015, Ahlstrom reported net sales of €266.9 million ($295 million) up 5.9% compared to the same time period a year prior. Comparable net sales at constant currencies declined by 1%. Operating profit rose to €9.9 million ($10.9 million) compared to €-13.4 million ($-14.8 million) in the third quarter of 2014. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items increased to €11.2 million (12.4 million) compared to €9.7 million ($10.7 million) in the same period last year, representing 4.2% of net sales, and the eighth consecutive quarter of year-on-year improvement.
Marco Levi, president & CEO, comments: “We had another quarter of improved profitability over the comparison period. This has been achieved through continued optimization of our current product portfolio and enhanced pricing, as well as stringent cost control. The slowdown in demand in some of our key markets endured during the quarter, and this had a negative impact on our sales, especially in North America.
“The slowdown was particularly visible in our Filtration business area, which suffered from weak demand for engine filtration materials. The Food and Medical business area made progress, predominantly in food packaging and beverage materials, while the Building and Energy business area had yet another good quarter in terms of sales growth despite still making a loss.”
Marco Levi, president & CEO, comments: “We had another quarter of improved profitability over the comparison period. This has been achieved through continued optimization of our current product portfolio and enhanced pricing, as well as stringent cost control. The slowdown in demand in some of our key markets endured during the quarter, and this had a negative impact on our sales, especially in North America.
“The slowdown was particularly visible in our Filtration business area, which suffered from weak demand for engine filtration materials. The Food and Medical business area made progress, predominantly in food packaging and beverage materials, while the Building and Energy business area had yet another good quarter in terms of sales growth despite still making a loss.”