03.20.14
Ahlstrom reports that its net sales were $334 million for the fourth quater ended December 31, 2013, up from $329 million. During the quarter, the company continued to launch new product to improve its sales mix and profit margin. One key launch was the Ahlstrom Flow2Save, a new high efficiency filtration media for improve indoor air quality. Other highlights include the split of the company’s food and medical business into two units in January and the demerger of its Label and Processing business in Brazil.
For the full year ended December 31, sales were $1.3 billion, up slightly, while operating profit was down to $14.6 million compared to $28 million.
Looking ahead to 2014, executives expect sales to be between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion and the operating profit margin is expected to be 2-5%.
“Improving our financial performance is our highest priority this year,” says Jan Lang, president and CEO. “I’m confident that our enhanced product offering, in combination with our rightsizing program will improve our results in 2014 and beyond. We are well on track to achieve our long-term target of 20% of net sales from new products, which will enhance our product mix and margins.”
For the full year ended December 31, sales were $1.3 billion, up slightly, while operating profit was down to $14.6 million compared to $28 million.
Looking ahead to 2014, executives expect sales to be between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion and the operating profit margin is expected to be 2-5%.
“Improving our financial performance is our highest priority this year,” says Jan Lang, president and CEO. “I’m confident that our enhanced product offering, in combination with our rightsizing program will improve our results in 2014 and beyond. We are well on track to achieve our long-term target of 20% of net sales from new products, which will enhance our product mix and margins.”