Ahlstrom interim report January-March 2012: Financial performance improving but below comparison period
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE April 27, 2012 at 9.00 a.m.
Continuing operations January-March 2012 compared with January-March 2011:
· Net sales EUR 405.8 million (EUR 422.5 million).
· Operating profit EUR 17.0 million (EUR 19.5 million).
· Operating profit excluding non-recurring items EUR 17.4 million (EUR
19.7 million).
· Operating margin excluding non-recurring items 4.3% (4.7%).
· Profit before taxes EUR 12.4 million (EUR 14.3 million).
· Earnings per share EUR 0.14 (EUR 0.14).
Highlights in January-March 2012
· Ahlstrom launched new products, including metalized poster papers
and embossable wallcoverings, with improved quality properties and sustainable
features.
Outlook for 2012
* Ahlstrom reiterates its outlook for 2012 published in February. Net sales
from continuing operations are expected to be EUR 1,575-1,735 million.
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items from continuing operations is
expected to be EUR 60-80 million.
Jan Lång, President and CEO:
- We had a good start to the year as our financial performance improved clearly
from the end of 2011. The operating environment remained challenging in our main
markets, although it was somewhat better than we anticipated at the beginning of
the year. The market development in Asia, however, has not been as positive as
expected.
- The work we have done in streamlining our cost base, addressing
underperforming businesses and gaining efficiencies in the supply chain has
started to bear fruit. We still have work ahead of us and we will continue to
work vigorously on our key development programs.
- In order to take us forward, we have identified five high priority programs;
'Winning in Asia', 'Anticipating and delivering on customer expectations',
'Growing through differentiation', 'Implementing a high performance culture' and
'Achieving an efficient supply chain'. To achieve our target in growing through
differentiation, we have intensified the development of our technology base with
unique features.
Key figures from continuing operations
EUR million Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 405.8 422.5 -3.9 1,607.2
Operating profit 17.0 19.5 -12.5 20.1
% of net sales 4.2 4.6 1.3
Operating profit excl. NRI 17.4 19.7 -11.8 49.7
% of net sales 4.3 4.7 3.1
Profit/Loss before taxes 12.4 14.3 -12.8 -6.6
Profit/Loss for the period 7.8 8.3 -6.2 -12.2
Earnings per share 0.14 0.14 -0.38
Return on capital employed, % 7.4 9.2 2.0
Capital expenditure 13.4 4.8 179.1 66.4
Number of personnel, at the end of period 5,093 5,149 -1.1 5,202
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The Home and Personal business area is reported separately as discontinued
operations.
Operating environment
In the first quarter of 2012, the overall demand for many of our products
continued to be soft, although there were some signs of improvement towards the
end of the review period. Geographically, demand in Europe was weak, whereas
North America continued to show signs of recovery. The Asian market,
particularly China, experienced a slowdown at the end of last year and the
beginning of 2012.
The global market for flooring materials picked up towards the end of the first
quarter after a slow start to the year. The wallcovering materials market in
China declined during the review period following a slowdown in the housing
market, while demand for wallcoverings and wallpaper in Europe was at a good
level. The market for specialty reinforcements used by the wind energy industry
remained weak in Ahlstrom's main markets.
The market for transportation filtration materials in North America continued to
recover in the first quarter, whereas demand in Europe was still soft. The
advanced filtration materials markets served by Ahlstrom, particularly gas
turbine and water filtration continued to grow.
The markets for tape and food packaging materials in Europe and Asia were lower
than in the comparison period. The demand for medical materials rose.
The demand for the majority of the specialty paper materials produced by
Ahlstrom's Label and Processing business area, particularly flexible packaging
and release papers, declined during the review period.
The market prices of Ahlstrom's main raw materials, such as pulp and synthetic
fibers, started to increase again in the first quarter after having fallen
during the second half of 2011. However, prices remained below the comparison
period except for specialty pulps, such as mercerized cellulose. Prices of
chemicals in general continued to decline, although they remained at a high
level. In its production, Ahlstrom uses chemicals such as latex, titanium
dioxide, starch and clay.
Development of net sales from continuing operations
Net sales by business area Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Building and Energy 68.5 82.0 -16.4 296.2
Filtration 87.5 82.3 6.3 324.5
Food and Medical 89.0 93.4 -4.7 361.9
Label and Processing 168.5 181.7 -7.3 678.1
Other functions* and eliminations -7.7 -16.9 -53.5
Total net sales 405.8 422.5 -3.9 1,607.2
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* Other functions include financing and taxation-related items, as well as
earnings and costs belonging to holding and sales companies.
January-March 2012 compared with January-March 2011
Ahlstrom's first-quarter 2012 net sales decreased by 3.9% to EUR 405.8 million,
compared with EUR 422.5 million in the first quarter 2011. The decline was
mainly due to lower sales volumes. Higher selling prices and a favorable
currency effect, mainly as the U.S. dollar appreciated against the euro, had a
positive impact on net sales.
Breakdown of the net sales change:
Change, %
-----------------------------------------------
Q1/2011
Price and mix 0.8
Currency 1.1
Volume -3.3
Closures, divestments and new assets -2.4
-----------------------------------------------
Q1/2012 -3.9
-----------------------------------------------
Total sales volumes in tons fell 5.8% from the comparison period. The decline
affected sales volumes in all business areas; Building and Energy (-21.0%),
Filtration (-1.1%), Food and Medical (-11.0%) and Label and Processing (-2.7%).
Total sales volumes, excluding the impact from closures, decreased by 2.9%.
Result and profitability from continuing operations
Financial result by segment Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
------------------------------------------------------------------
Building and Energy
Operating profit 2.7 3.1 -14.4 -27.8
% of net sales 3.9 3.8 -9.4
Operating profit excl. NRI 2.7 3.1 -14.4 1.2
% of net sales 3.9 3.8 0.4
Filtration
Operating profit 6.1 7.1 -14.3 22.8
% of net sales 6.9 8.6 7.0
Operating profit excl. NRI 6.3 8.2 -23.2 22.0
% of net sales 7.2 10.0 6.8
Food and Medical
Operating profit 2.2 3.0 -26.9 12.0
% of net sales 2.4 3.2 3.3
Operating profit excl. NRI 2.2 3.0 -26.9 11.7
% of net sales 2.4 3.2 3.2
Label and Processing
Operating profit 5.7 6.2 -7.6 11.6
% of net sales 3.4 3.4 1.7
Operating profit excl. NRI 5.8 6.2 -6.6 13.6
% of net sales 3.4 3.4 2.0
Other functions* and eliminations
Operating profit 0.4 0.1 1.5
Ahlstrom Group total
Operating profit/loss 17.0 19.5 -12.5 20.1
% of net sales 4.2 4.6 1.3
Operating profit excl. NRI 17.4 19.7 -11.8 49.7
% of net sales 4.3 4.7 3.1
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*Other functions include financing and taxation-related items, as well as
earnings and costs belonging to holding and sales companies.
January-March 2012 compared with January-March 2011
Ahlstrom's first-quarter 2012 operating profit was EUR 17.0 million (EUR 19.5
million), including non-recurring items of EUR -0.3 million (EUR -0.2 million).
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was EUR 17.4 million (EUR 19.7
million).
Operating profit was negatively impacted by lower sales volumes and the
resulting increase in market related downtime in production at plants, and
higher energy prices. The profit improvement program implemented at the end of
last year, improved product mix, efficiency gains in the supply chain and lower
raw material costs had a positive impact on profitability. The first-quarter
2012 profit was also positively affected by the release of annual remuneration
accruals worth EUR 2.8 million from 2011.
The commercialization of the biodegradable teabag material line in Chirnside and
the medical material plant in Mundra continued with successful product trials.
The La Gere plant, part of the Label and Processing business area, made a
positive contribution to operating profit after a challenging ramp-up of a major
investment.
Ahlstrom's market related downtime in production was 6.0% in the first quarter
of 2012, compared with 5.9% in the corresponding period.
Profit before taxes was EUR 12.4 million (EUR 14.3 million).
Income taxes amounted to EUR 4.6 million (EUR 5.9 million).
Profit for the period was EUR 7.8 million (EUR 8.3 million). Earnings per share
were EUR 0.14 (EUR 0.14).
Divestment of the Home and Personal business area
Ahlstrom's former wipes fabrics business, Home and Personal, was transferred to
Suominen Corporation on October 31, 2011. As announced on March 30, 2012, the
Brazilian part of the business is expected to be transferred in the second
quarter of 2012. Ahlstrom had previously anticipated that the transfer would
have taken place in the first quarter of 2012. The transfer is subject to the
acquirer receiving all necessary Brazilian regulatory permits for its
operations. Ahlstrom will receive the remaining EUR 25 million of the total
transaction value of EUR170 million after the transfer of the Brazilian
operation.
Discontinued operations
Home and Personal was reported separately as discontinued operations until
October 31, 2011. The Brazilian operation of Home and Personal will be reported
as discontinued operations until the transaction is concluded for that part.
In January-March 2012, the profit for the period from discontinued operations
was EUR 0.1 million, compared with EUR 1.3 million in the comparison period. The
first-quarter 2011 figure includes the Home and Personal business area as a
whole, while the first-quarter 2012 figure includes the Brazilian part only.
Result including discontinued operations
In January-March 2012, the profit for the period including discontinued
operations was EUR 7.9 million (EUR 9.6 million). Earnings per share were EUR
0.15 (EUR 0.17).
Return on equity (ROE) was 5.0% (5.7%).
Business Area review
Building and Energy
EUR million Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 68.5 82.0 -16.4 296.2
Operating profit 2.7 3.1 -14.4 -27.8
% of net sales 3.9 3.8 -9.4
Operating profit excl. NRI 2.7 3.1 -14.4 1.2
% of net sales 3.9 3.8 0.4
RONA, % 8.1 8.2 -19.8
Sales volumes, 000s tons 27.4 34.7 -21.0 127.1
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales in January-March 2012 fell by 16.4% to EUR 68.5 million, compared with
EUR 82.0 million in January-March 2011. The decline was due to the closures of
the Bishopville specialty reinforcement plant, glassfiber furnaces in Karhula
and hybrid wallcover production line in Turin last year. Net sales were also
negatively impacted by lower demand for wallcovering materials in China.
Operating profit amounted to EUR 2.7 million (EUR 3.1 million). The decline
was due to lower sales volumes, whereas the measures related to the profit
improvement program and improved production efficiency had a positive impact on
profit. No non-recurring items were booked in the first quarter 2012.
During the first quarter 2012, the business area introduced new embossable
wallcoverings, offering additional 3D capabilities which will enhance the design
possibilities.
Filtration
EUR million Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 87.5 82.3 6.3 324.5
Operating profit 6.1 7.1 -14.3 22.8
% of net sales 6.9 8.6 7.0
Operating profit excl. NRI 6.3 8.2 -23.2 22.0
% of net sales 7.2 10.0 6.8
RONA, % 14.2 17.2 13.6
Sales volumes, 000s tons 28.1 28.4 -1.1 110.9
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales in January-March 2012 rose by 6.3% to EUR 87.5 million, compared with
EUR 82.3 million in January-March 2011. The increase was due to higher selling
prices and favorable currency effect. Net sales benefited from the recovery in
North American transportation filtration markets. Advanced filtration sales such
as gas turbine and water applications also rose. Operating profit excluding non-
recurring items fell to EUR 6.3 million (EUR 8.2 million) due to increased
energy and raw material costs stemming from specialty pulps. Improved product
mix had a positive impact. Operating profit amounted to EUR 6.1 million (EUR
7.1 million).
During the first quarter 2012, the business area completed significant upgrades
to its Global Filtration Technical Center in Turin, Italy.
Food and Medical
EUR million Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 89.0 93.4 -4.7 361.9
Operating profit 2.2 3.0 -26.9 12.0
% of net sales 2.4 3.2 3.3
Operating profit excl. NRI 2.2 3.0 -26.9 11.7
% of net sales 2.4 3.2 3.2
RONA, % 4.1 5.7 5.7
Sales volumes, 000s tons 30.0 33.7 -11.0 128.7
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales in January-March 2012 fell by 4.7% to EUR 89.0 million, compared with
EUR 93.4 million in January-March 2011. The decrease was due to lower sales
volumes in tape and food packaging materials. Higher selling prices, a favorable
currency effect, and increased demand for medical materials had a positive
impact on net sales. Operating profit decreased to EUR 2.2 million (EUR 3.0
million) due to the lower volumes and resulting increase in market related
downtime in production at plants. No non-recurring items were booked in the
first quarter 2012.
Label and Processing
EUR million Q1/2012 Q1/2011 Change, % 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 168.5 181.7 -7.3 678.1
Operating profit 5.7 6.2 -7.6 11.6
% of net sales 3.4 3.4 1.7
Operating profit excl. NRI 5.8 6.2 -6.6 13.6
% of net sales 3.4 3.4 2.0
RONA, % 9.2 8.9 4.4
Sales volumes, 000s tons 144.1 148.2 -2.7 557.5
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net sales in January-March 2012 fell by 7.3% to EUR 168.5 million, compared with
EUR 181.7 million in January-March 2011. The decline was due to lower sales
volumes, mainly in Europe, and lower selling prices. Net sales in Asia rose.
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was EUR 5.8 million (EUR 6.2
million). The result was negatively impacted by higher energy costs in Brazil.
Lower raw material costs and streamlining measures taken at Jacarei in Brazil
and Osnabrück in Germany had a positive impact on profitability. Operating
profit amounted to EUR 5.7 million (EUR 6.2 million).
During the first quarter 2012, the business area launched the first metalized
poster paper for outdoor billboards and a new release paper for premium pressure
sensitive adhesive graphics.
Financing (including discontinued operations)
Net cash flow from operating activities in January-March 2012 amounted to EUR
14.6 million (EUR 18.5 million), and cash flow after investments was EUR -4.6
million (EUR 13.1 million).
In January-March 2012, operative working capital amounted to EUR 179.1 million
(EUR 176.7 million at the end of 2011). Its turnover fell by one day and was 40
days at the end of the review period.
Ahlstrom's interest-bearing net liabilities stood at EUR 241.2 million (EUR
237.8 million at the end of 2011). Ahlstrom's interest bearing liabilities
amounted to EUR 329.4 million. The duration of the loan portfolio (average
interest rate fixing period) was 19 months and the capital weighted average
interest rate was 4.66%. The average maturity of the loan portfolio was 45
months.
In January-March 2012, net financial expenses were EUR 4.6 million (EUR 5.3
million). Net financial expenses include net interest expenses of EUR 3.4
million (EUR 3.8 million), financing exchange rate losses of EUR 0.2 million
(EUR 0.4 million), and other financial expenses of EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.2
million).
The company's liquidity continues to be good. At the end of the review period,
its total liquidity, including cash and unused committed credit facilities was
EUR 390.7 million (EUR 350.7 million). In addition, the company had undrawn
uncommitted credit facilities and cash pool overdraft limits of EUR 170.8
million (EUR 143.2 million) available.
The gearing ratio stood at 38.3% (38.2% at the end of 2011). The equity ratio
was 44.2% (43.6% at the end of 2011).
Capital expenditure
Ahlstrom's capital expenditure excluding acquisitions from continuing operations
totaled EUR 13.4 million in January-March 2012 (EUR 4.8 million). The
expenditure includes projects such as the joint venture for production of crepe
papers in Longkou, China and the filtration materials capacity increase in Turin
announced last year.
Development programs
Development programs, aimed at enhancing the planning and harmonization of
common processes, were continued during the review period as communicated
earlier. Ahlstrom aims to increase customer focus and enhance the management of
the entire product and supply chain by strengthening and better aligning global
processes.
Profit improvement program
In December 2011, Ahlstrom concluded its profit improvement program. The program
aims to improve annual operating profit by approximately EUR 15 million starting
from 2012 and affecting 362 employees at various sites including Karhula in
Finland, Bishopville in the U.S., Turin in Italy, Jacarei in Brazil and
Osnabrück in Germany. The company recognized a total non-recurring cost of
approximately EUR 31.5 million in 2011. The overall impact of the non-recurring
items of the program is cash neutral.
Waste management program
The project to reduce material waste in manufacturing launched in 2010,
successfully reached its final stage and will be completed by the end of April,
2012. The targeted reduction of 15% in waste of the annual volume equaling
annual savings of about EUR 20 million is expected to be fully visible in 2012.
Personnel
Ahlstrom employed on average 5,101 people*in January-March 2012 (5,161), and
5,093 people (5,149) at the end of the period. At the end of the period, the
highest numbers of employees were in France (24.2%), the United States (19.4%),
Italy (11.3%), Finland (10.6%), Germany (7.5%) and Brazil (6.9%).
Shares and share capital
Ahlstrom's shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. Ahlstrom has one series
of shares. The share is classified under NASDAQ OMX's Materials sector and the
trading code is AHL1V.
During January-March 2012, a total of 0.67 million Ahlstrom shares were traded
for a total of EUR 9.6 million. The lowest trading price was EUR 12.52 and the
highest EUR 15.45. The closing price on March 30, 2012 was EUR 15.05. Market
capitalization at the end of the review period was EUR 693.9 million, excluding
the shares owned by the parent company and Ahlcorp Oy, which is a management
ownership company.
At the end of March 2012, Ahlstrom held a total of 269,005 of its own shares,
corresponding to approximately 0.58% of the total shares and votes.
Ahlstrom Group's equity per share was EUR 11.63 at the end of the review period
(December 31, 2011: EUR 11.50).
Product and technology development
Ahlstrom completed significant upgrades to its Global Filtration Technical
Center in Turin, Italy. The technical center is equipped with various filtration
testing and simulation equipment. Testing can be carried out as finished filters
or flat sheet configuration, and the testing facility focuses on research and
development for all transportation, air and liquid filtration applications.
Ahlstrom continued to introduce new products to the market during the first
quarter 2012. The Label and Processing business area launched the first
metalized poster paper for outdoor billboards and a new release paper for
premium pressure sensitive adhesive graphics. The Building and Energy business
area introduced new embossable wallcoverings.
Events after the review period
Annual General Meeting
Ahlstrom Corporation's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) was held on
April 4, 2012.
The AGM resolved to distribute a dividend totaling EUR 1.30 per share for the
fiscal year that ended on December 31, 2011 from the retained earnings in
accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors: a dividend of EUR 0.87
per share and an extra dividend of EUR 0.43 per share based on cash generated
from the divestiture of the Home and Personal business area. In addition, the
AGM resolved to reserve EUR 100,000 to be used for donations at the discretion
of the Board of Directors.
The AGM approved the financial statements and discharged the members of the
Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability for the fiscal year
January 1-December 31, 2011.
The AGM confirmed the number of Board members as seven. Sebastian Bondestam,
Lori J. Cross, Esa Ikäheimonen, Pertti Korhonen, Anders Moberg and Peter
Seligson were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. Nathalie
Ahlström, born 1974, was elected as a new member. The term of the Board of
Directors will expire at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was re-elected as Ahlstrom's auditor as recommended by
the Audit Committee. PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy has designated Authorized Public
Accountant Eero Suomela as the Responsible Auditor.
Authorizations to repurchase and distribute the company's own shares as well as
to accept them as pledge
The AGM authorized the Board of Directors to repurchase and distribute the
Company's own shares as well as to accept them as pledge as proposed by the
Board of Directors. The number of shares to be repurchased or accepted as pledge
by virtue of the authorization shall not exceed 4,000,000 shares in the Company,
yet always taking into account the limitations set forth in the Companies' Act
as regards the maximum number shares owned by or pledged to the Company or its
subsidiaries. The shares may be repurchased only through public trading at the
prevailing market price by using unrestricted shareholders' equity. The rules
and guidelines of NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Oy and Euroclear Finland Ltd shall be
followed in the repurchase.
The authorization includes the right for the Board of Directors to decide upon
all other terms and conditions for the repurchase of the Company's own shares,
or their acceptance as pledge including the right to decide on the repurchase of
the Company's own shares otherwise than in proportion to the shareholders'
holdings in the Company.
By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors has the right to resolve
to distribute a maximum of 4,000,000 own shares held by the Company. The Board
of Directors will be authorized to decide to whom and in which order the own
shares will be distributed. The Board of Directors may decide on the
distribution of the Company's own shares otherwise than in proportion to the
existing pre-emptive right of shareholders to purchase the Company's own shares.
The shares may be used e.g. as consideration in acquisitions and in other
arrangements as well as to implement the Company's share-based incentive plans
in the manner and to the extent decided by the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors also has the right to decide on the distribution of the shares in
public trading for the purpose of financing possible acquisitions. The
authorization also includes the right for the Board of Directors to resolve on
the sale of the shares accepted as a pledge. The authorization includes the
right for the Board of Directors to resolve upon all other terms and conditions
for the distribution of the shares held by the Company.
The authorizations for the Board of Directors to repurchase the Company's own
shares, to distribute them as well as to accept them as pledge are valid for 18
months from the close of the Annual General Meeting but will, however, expire at
the close of the next Annual General Meeting, at the latest.
Decisions taken by the Board of Directors
After the AGM, the organization meeting of the Board of Directors elected Peter
Seligson as Chairman and Pertti Korhonen as Vice Chairman of the Board.
The Board of Directors appointed three permanent committees. The members of the
Audit Committee are Esa Ikäheimonen (Chairman), Sebastian Bondestam and Lori J.
Cross. The members of the Compensation Committee are Peter Seligson (Chairman),
Pertti Korhonen and Anders Moberg. Five persons were appointed as members of the
Nomination Committee: Peter Seligson (Chairman), Pertti Korhonen and Anders
Moberg as well as the non-board members Carl Ahlström and Risto Murto. The
composition of the Nomination Committee aims to increase shareholder influence
in nomination matters.
Outlook
Ahlstrom's outlook for the year 2012 remains unchanged from the one published in
February.
Ahlstrom estimates net sales from continuing operations for the current year
will amount to EUR 1,575-1,735 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring
items from continuing operations is estimated to be EUR 60-80 million.
In 2012, investments excluding acquisitions from continuing operations are
estimated to be approximately EUR 100 million (EUR 66.4 million in 2011). The
estimate includes investments that were already announced in 2011, such as the
wallcovering materials line and upgrades to the filtration material line in
Binzhou, China, as well as the joint venture for the production of crepe papers
in Longkou, China.
Short-term risks
The possible further spread of the European debt crisis and slower growth in
Asia pose additional risks to economic growth and Ahlstrom's financial
performance. Slower economic growth, or even a temporary contraction, may lead
to lower sales volumes and force Ahlstrom to initiate more market related
shutdowns at plants that could affect profitability. The uncertainty related to
global economic growth makes it more difficult to forecast future developments.
Ahlstrom's main raw materials are natural fibers, mainly pulp, synthetic fibers
and chemicals. The company is one of the world's largest buyers of market pulp.
Despite the recent declines, the prices of some key raw materials used by
Ahlstrom remain at a high level. Pulp prices also started to increase again
towards the end of the review period.
If global economic growth slows down further, maintaining the current selling
price levels may be at risk and sustaining the current profitability level might
be compromised, even if raw material prices fall at the same time.
The general risks facing Ahlstrom's business operations are described in greater
detail on the company website www.ahlstrom.com and in the report by the Board of
Directors in the company's Annual Report 2011. The risk management process is
also described in the Corporate Governance Statement, also available on the
company's website.
* * *
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS). Comparable figures refer to the same period last
year unless otherwise stated.
This report contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the present
views of the company's management. The statements contain uncertainties and
risks and are thus subject to changes in the general economic situation and in
the company's business.
Helsinki, April 27, 2012
Ahlstrom Corporation
Board of Directors
Additional information
Jan Lång, President and CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4700
Seppo Parvi, CFO, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4768
Ahlstrom's President and CEO Jan Lång and CFO Seppo Parvi will present the
January-March 2012 interim report in a Finnish-language press and analyst
conference in Helsinki today, April 27, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. (CET+1). The
conference will take place at Event Arena Bank, Unioninkatu 20. The meeting room
will be announced on the display board in the lobby.
In addition, President & CEO Lång and CFO Parvi will hold a conference call in
English for analysts, investors and representatives of the media today, April
27, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. (CET+1). To participate in the conference call, please
dial (09) 2310 1621 in Finland or +44 (0)20 7136 2055 outside Finland a few
minutes before the conference begins. The access code is 4156737.
The conference call can also be listened to live on the Internet. The link to
the English-language presentation (an audio webcast) including slides is
available on the company website at www.ahlstrom.com. Questions may also be
submitted in writing via the Internet. Listening to the conference call requires
registration.
An on-demand webcast including slides is available for viewing and listening on
the company website for one year after the conference call.
Presentation material will be available on April 27, 2012 after the Interim
Report is published, at www.ahlstrom.com > Investors > Reports and presentations
/> 2012. Material in Finnish will be available at www.ahlstrom.fi > Sijoittajat >
Katsaukset ja presentaatiot > 2012.
Ahlstrom's financial information in 2012
Ahlstrom will publish financial information in 2012 as follows:
+--------------------------------+-------------------+---------------+
|Report |Date of publication|Silent period |
+--------------------------------+-------------------+---------------+
|Interim Report January-June |Thursday, August 9 |July 1-August 9|
+--------------------------------+-------------------+---------------+
|Interim Report January-September|Monday, October 22 |October 1-22 |
+--------------------------------+-------------------+---------------+
During the silent period, Ahlstrom will not communicate with capital market
representatives.
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a high performance materials company, partnering with leading
businesses around the world to help them stay ahead. Our products are used in a
large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, surgical gowns and
drapes, wallcoverings, flooring, labels and food packaging. We have a leading
market position in the businesses in which we operate. Our 5,200 employees serve
customers in 28 countries on six continents. In 2011, Ahlstrom's net sales
amounted to EUR 1.6 billion. The company's share is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX
Helsinki. More information is available at www.ahlstrom.com.
Appendix
Consolidated financial statements
Appendix: Consolidated financial statement
Financial statements are unaudited.
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INCOME STATEMENT Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2012 2011 2011
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Continuing operations
Net sales 405.8 422.5 1,607.2
Cost of goods sold -347.3 -364.9 -1,421.9
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Gross profit 58.5 57.6 185.4
Sales and marketing expenses -14.3 -13.2 -50.0
R&D expenses -4.6 -4.9 -17.9
Administrative expenses -23.6 -20.7 -90.1
Other operating income 1.4 1.8 12.3
Other operating expense -0.3 -1.0 -19.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit / loss 17.0 19.5 20.1
Net financial expenses -4.6 -5.2 -22.6
Share of profit / loss of associated companies 0.0 -0.0 -4.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss before taxes 12.4 14.3 -6.6
Income taxes -4.6 -5.9 -5.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss for the period from continuing operations 7.8 8.3 -12.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discontinued operations
Profit/loss for the period 0.2 1.3 3.4
Impairment loss recognised on the remeasurement
to fair value and gain/loss from sales -0.1 -0.1 -23.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss for the period from discontinued
operations 0.1 1.3 -20.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit/loss for the period 7.9 9.6 -32.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attributable to
Owners of the parent 8.2 9.4 -32.2
Non-controlling interest -0.3 0.2 -0.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing operations
Earnings per share. EUR
- Basic and diluted * 0.14 0.14 -0.38
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Including discontinued operations
Earnings per share. EUR
- Basic and diluted * 0.15 0.17 -0.81
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* With the effect of interest on hybrid bond for the period, net of tax
-------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2012 2011 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss for the period 7.9 9.6 -32.2
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Translation differences -2.3 -16.6 -11.9
Share of other comprehensive income of associates - - -
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations - - -
Cash flow hedges - 0.2 -
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax -2.3 -16.4 -11.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 5.6 -6.8 -44.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Attributable to
Owners of the parent 5.9 -7.0 -44.0
Non-controlling interest -0.3 0.2 -0.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET Mar 31, Mar 31, Dec 31,
EUR million 2012 2011 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 547.5 559.5 553.4
Goodwill 112.2 109.9 113.8
Other intangible assets 46.1 39.3 47.6
Investments in associated companies 36.6 10.6 36.6
Other investments 0.4 2.5 0.4
Other receivables 51.4 45.2 51.9
Deferred tax assets 59.7 55.3 61.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current assets 853.9 822.4 865.0
Current assets
Inventories 185.7 182.6 185.8
Trade and other receivables 265.3 289.2 241.4
Income tax receivables 1.4 1.8 2.4
Other investments - - -
Cash and cash equivalents 87.8 24.4 94.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 540.2 498.0 523.6
Assets classified as held for sale 29.0 233.5 42.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 1,423.2 1,553.9 1,430.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 536.0 570.2 530.1
Hybrid bond 80.0 80.0 80.0
Non-controlling interest 12.9 1.0 12.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity 628.9 651.2 622.7
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 234.5 251.9 274.2
Employee benefit obligations 75.0 74.9 73.3
Provisions 4.3 2.9 4.5
Other liabilities 5.1 2.8 4.8
Deferred tax liabilities 29.1 28.1 28.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current liabilities 348.0 360.5 385.5
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 94.9 89.7 58.1
Trade and other payables 326.0 385.8 328.8
Income tax liabilities 5.4 5.9 5.6
Provisions 17.7 6.5 20.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 444.1 487.8 412.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 792.0 848.3 798.3
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified
as held for sale 2.3 54.3 9.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total equity and liabilities 1,423.2 1,553.9 1,430.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
1) Issued capital
2) Share premium
3) Non-restricted equity reserve
4) Hedging reserve
5) Translation reserve
6) Own shares
7) Retained earnings
8) Total attributable to owners of the parent
9) Non-controlling interest
10) Hybrid bond
11) Total equity
EUR million 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at January
1, 2011 70.0 209.3 8.3 0.0 18.8 -6.4 323.0 623.0 0.9 80.0 703.8
Profit / loss for
the period - - - - - - 9.4 9.4 0.2 - 9.6
Other
comprehensive
income, net of
tax
Translation
differences - - - - -16.6 - - -16.6 - - -16.6
Share of
other
comprehensive
income
of associates - - - - - - - - - - -
Hedges of net
investments in
foreign
operations - - - - - - - - - - -
Cash flow
hedges - - - 0.2 - - - 0.2 - - 0.2
Dividends paid
and other - - - - - - -41.1 -41.1 - - -41.1
Hybrid bond - - - - - - - - - - -
Interest on
hybrid bond - - - - - - -5.6 -5.6 - - -5.6
Purchases of own - - - - - - - - - - - -
shares
Share ownership - - - - - - - - - - - -
plan for EMT
Change in non-
controlling
interests - - - - - - - - - - -
Share-based
incentive plan - - - - - 2.0 -1.1 1.0 - - 1.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at March
31, 2011 70.0 209.3 8.3 0.2 2.2 -4.3 284.6 570.2 1.0 80.0 651.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at January
1, 2012 70.0 209.3 8.3 0.0 6.9 -7.4 243.0 530.1 12.6 80.0 622.7
Profit / loss for
the period - - - - - - 8.2 8.2 -0.3 - 7.9
Other
comprehensive
income, net of
tax
Translation
differences - - - - -2.3 - - -2.3 -0.4 - -2.7
Share of
other
comprehensive
income
of associates - - - - - - - - - - -
Hedges of net
investments in
foreign
operations - - - - - - - - - - -
Cash flow
hedges - - - - - - - - - - -
Dividends paid
and other - - - - - - - - - - -
Hybrid bond - - - - - - - - - - -
Interest on
hybrid bond - - - - - - - - - - -
Purchases of own - - - - - - - - - - - -
shares
Share ownership - - - - - - - - - - - -
plan for EMT
Change in non-
controlling
interests - - - - - - - - 1.0 - 1.0
Share-based
incentive plan - - - - - - 0.1 0.1 - - 0.1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at March
31, 2012 70.0 209.3 8.3 0.0 4.6 -7.4 251.3 536.0 12.9 80.0 628.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS - including discontinued operations Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2012 2011 2011
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit / loss for the period 7.9 9.6 -32.2
Adjustments, total 27.6 35.2 141.2
Changes in net working capital -12.4 -32.4 -10.7
Change in provisions -2.8 -0.2 14.0
Financial items -4.2 7.1 -20.8
Income taxes paid / received -1.5 -0.7 -7.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 14.6 18.5 83.7
Cash flow from investing activities
Acquisition of Group companies - - -1.0
Purchases of intangible and tangible assets -21.4 -7.5 -60.0
Other investing activities 2.2 2.0 117.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from investing activities -19.1 -5.5 56.7
Cash flow from financing activities
Dividends paid and other - -0.3 -41.2
Repurchase of own shares - - -3.1
Investment to Ahlstrom Corporation shares related to share
ownership plan for EMT - - -
Payments received on hybrid bond - - -
Interest on hybrid bond - - -7.6
Changes in loans and other financing activities -1.1 -11.9 -18.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from financing activities -1.1 -12.2 -70.7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents -5.7 0.8 69.7
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 94.4 24.6 24.6
Foreign exchange adjustment -0.5 -0.6 0.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 88.2 24.8 94.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY FIGURES Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
, 2012 2011 2011
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing operations
Personnel costs -74.7 -78.5 -323.6
Depreciation and amortization -18.9 -21.2 -84.5
Impairment charges 0.3 - -10.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, , , ,
Operating profit, % 4.2 4.6 1.3
Return on capital employed (ROCE), % 7.4 9.2 2.0
Basic earnings per share *, EUR 0.14 0.14 -0.38
Capital expenditure, EUR million 13.4 4.8 66.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of employees, average 5,101 5,161 5,181
Including discontinued operations
Personnel costs -74.9 -87.4 -353.8
Depreciation and amortization -18.9 -25.2 -92.3
Impairment charges 0.3 - -32.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, , , ,
Operating profit, % 4.2 4.2 0.1
Return on capital employed (ROCE), % 7.2 8.2 -0.1
Return on equity (ROE), % 5.0 5.7 -4.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, , , ,
Interest-bearing net liabilities, EUR million 241.2 315.2 237.8
Equity ratio, % 44.2 42.3 43.6
Gearing ratio, % 38.3 48.4 38.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, , , ,
Basic earnings per share *, EUR 0.15 0.17 -0.81
Equity per share, EUR 11.63 12.30 11.50
Average number of shares during the period, 1000's 46,105 46,248 46,282
Number of shares at the end of the period, 1000's 46,105 46,349 46,105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
, , , ,
Capital expenditure, EUR million 13.4 6.0 70.4
Capital employed at the end of the period, EUR million 958.3 991.3 955.0
Number of employees, average 5,126 5,729 5,666
* With the
effect of interest on hybrid bond for the period, net of tax
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim
Financial reporting, as adopted by EU and the accounting principles set out in
the Group's Financial Statements for 2011.
Suominen has been included in the consolidated accounts as an associated
company.
---------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT INFORMATION Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2012 2011 2011
---------------------------------------------------------
Building and Energy 68.5 82.0 296.2
Filtration 87.5 82.3 324.5
Food and Medical 89.0 93.4 361.9
Label and Processing 168.5 181.7 678.1
Other operations 22.3 15.0 71.1
Internal sales -30.0 -31.9 -124.6
---------------------------------------------------------
Total net sales 405.8 422.5 1 607.2
Building and Energy 1.0 1.6 3.8
Filtration 2.6 2.1 9.4
Food and Medical 5.6 9.6 34.1
Label and Processing 7.5 7.6 32.4
Other operations 13.4 10.9 44.9
---------------------------------------------------------
Total internal sales 30.0 31.9 124.6
Building and Energy 2.7 3.1 -27.8
Filtration 6.1 7.1 22.8
Food and Medical 2.2 3.0 12.0
Label and Processing 5.7 6.2 11.6
Other operations 0.3 0.3 1.5
Eliminations 0.1 -0.1 0.0
---------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit / loss 17.0 19.5 20.1
Return on capital employed (RONA), %
Building and Energy 8.1 8.2 -19.8
Filtration 14.2 17.2 13.6
Food and Medical 4.1 5.7 5.7
Label and Processing 9.2 8.9 4.4
Group (ROCE), % 7.4 9.2 2.0
Building and Energy 133.8 153.6 129.4
Filtration 172.8 163.1 168.5
Food and Medical 211.8 202.8 208.4
Label and Processing 251.2 278.7 247.2
Other operations 11.4 -55.8 10.9
Eliminations -0.1 -0.4 -0.3
---------------------------------------------------------
Total net assets 780.9 742.0 764.1
Building and Energy 0.7 1.2 7.5
Filtration 4.2 0.8 21.8
Food and Medical 6.9 1.8 16.4
Label and Processing 1.4 0.1 17.9
Other operations 0.2 0.8 2.8
---------------------------------------------------------
Total capital expenditure 13.4 4.8 66.4
Building and Energy -3.1 -4.7 -18.2
Filtration -4.4 -4.1 -16.7
Food and Medical -4.5 -4.8 -18.4
Label and Processing -6.5 -7.1 -27.9
Other operations -0.5 -0.6 -3.2
---------------------------------------------------------
Total depreciation and amortization -18.9 -21.2 -84.5
Building and Energy 0.3 - -11.1
Filtration - - -
Food and Medical - - -
Label and Processing - - 0.2
Other operations - - -
---------------------------------------------------------
Total impairment charges 0.3 - -10.8
Building and Energy - - -29.0
Filtration -0.2 -1.1 0.8
Food and Medical - - 0.3
Label and Processing -0.1 - -2.0
Other operations -0.0 1.0 0.4
---------------------------------------------------------
Total non-recurring items -0.3 -0.2 -29.6
---------------------------------------
SEGMENT INFORMATION Q1 Q1 Q1-Q4
Thousands of tons 2012 2011 2011
---------------------------------------
Building and Energy 27.4 34.7 127.1
Filtration 28.1 28.4 110.9
Food and Medical 30.0 33.7 128.7
Label and Processing 144.1 148.2 557.5
Other operations 2.3 2.1 9.3
Eliminations -11.8 -13.5 -52.0
---------------------------------------
Total sales tons 220.1 233.6 881.6
Segment information is presented according to the IFRS standards.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES BY REGION - including discontinued operations
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Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 27.04.2012 - 02:02 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 1107960
Anzahl Zeichen: 0
contact information:
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Town:
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Kategorie:
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"Ahlstrom interim report January-March 2012: Financial performance improving but below comparison period
"
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