Ahlstrom financial statements bulletin 2010: Strong cash flow and net sales growth continued
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Ahlstrom Corporation STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 1.2 2011 at 12.00
October-December 2010 compared to October-December 2009:
* Net sales EUR 481.4 million (EUR 420.5 million), an increase of 14.5%.
* Operating loss EUR 7.0 million (EUR -26.6 million). The figure includes non-
recurring items of EUR -22.0 million (EUR -46.2 million). Operating profit
excluding non-recurring items EUR 15.0 million (EUR 19.5 million).
* Loss before taxes EUR 12.6 million (EUR -33.4 million), and loss per share
EUR 0.18 (EUR -0.61).
* Net cash flow from operating activities EUR 22.8 million (EUR 48.6
million).
Events in October-December 2010
* Ahlstrom announced a plan to establish a joint venture in China for the
manufacturing of masking tape substrates and sterilization wraps.
* As part of a strategic review of its product portfolio, Ahlstrom divested
Sealing & Shielding and Dust Filtration business units.
Year 2010 compared to 2009:
* Net sales EUR 1,894.2 million (EUR 1,596.1 million), an increase of 18.7%.
* Operating profit EUR 53.7 million (EUR -14.6 million). The figure includes
non-recurring items of EUR -20.5 million (EUR -54.3 million). Operating
profit excluding non-recurring items EUR 74.2 million (EUR 39.8 million).
* Profit before taxes 25.5 million (loss EUR 40.1 million) and earnings per
share EUR 0.26 (EUR -0.72).
* Net cash flow from operating activities EUR 167.5 million (EUR 209.6
million).
Outlook for 2011
* The company estimates that net sales for the current year will amount to EUR
1,920-2,080 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is
estimated to be EUR 90-110 million.
Jan Lång, President and CEO:
- Last year, our financial result development took a positive turn and cash flow
continued strong. Our growth strategy in Asia progressed very well with a growth
of almost 50% and in addition, we completed an acquisition in the Filtration
business and established a joint venture in China in the Food and Medical
business.
- Our strengthened balance sheet gave us the opportunity to implement our
strategy and develop our businesses. We started a significant change program
with the aim of building a stronger and more harmonized company. We also
streamlined our product portfolio through divestments.
- Last year was challenging for us in terms of higher raw materials costs but
our organization succeeded well in the margin management by increasing selling
prices.
KEY FIGURES
Million EUR
10-12/ 10-12/ Change, Change,
2010 2009 % 2010 2009 %
Net sales 481.4 420.5 14.5 1,894.2 1,596.1 18.7
Operating -
profit/loss -7.0 26.6 73.8 53.7 - 14.6 -
Profit/loss -
before taxes -12.6 33.4 62.3 25.5 -40.1 -
Profit for the -
period -6.8 27.9 75.7 17.9 -32.9 -
Earnings per -
share -0.18 0.61 - 0.26 -0.72 -
Return on
capital employed
(ROCE), % -2.5 -9.4 - 5.0 -1.1 -
Equity ratio, % 45.6 44.8 - 45.6 44.8 -
Gearing ratio, % 46.9 57.7 - 46.9 57.7 -
Interest-bearing
net liabilities 330.1 395.9 -16.6 330.1 395.9 -16.6
Capital
expenditure
(excluding
acquisitions) 22.4 10.0 124.7 51.1 63.8 -20.0
Net cash flow
from operating
activities 22.8 48.6 -53.1 167.5 209.6 -20.1
Number of
personnel, on
average 5,884 5,855 0.5 5,823 5,993 -2.8
Number of
personnel, at
the end of the
period 5,688 5,841 -2.6 5,688 5,841 -2.6
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
With the exception of specialty papers and wipes, the demand for and sales
volumes of Ahlstrom's products continued to grow in October-December, supported
by the growth in the global economy. The stabilization of the growth rate
started in the middle of 2010 and continued in the last quarter. Towards the end
of the year, some customers reduced seasonally their inventory levels effecting
the sales volumes of some products. Downtime due to the market situation in the
fourth quarter remained at the same level as in the comparison period.
In 2010, the demand for and sales volumes of nearly all products manufactured by
Ahlstrom increased. Growth was the strongest in Asia and South America, but
growth compared to the previous year was also seen in Europe and North America,
in particular in the automotive industry and construction. The comparison year
2009 was very exceptional. In terms of demand, the first half of 2009 was weak
due to the global recession, while it picked up rapidly in the second half on
economic recovery and inventory build-up.
Of the raw materials used by Ahlstrom, the price development of pulp stabilized
in the last quarter of the year after having shown steady increase since mid-
2009. On the other hand, the increase in the prices of synthetic fibers such as
polymers, and chemicals continued strong due to the increased demand in Asia and
the insufficient availability. The company succeeded in securing availability of
the raw materials without problems throughout the year, e.g. despite the
difficult pulp market situation after the earthquake in Chile at the beginning
of the year.
DEVELOPMENT OF NET SALES
Net sales by business area 10-12/ 10-12/ Change, 2010 2009 Change,
2010 2009 % %
Building and Energy 72.2 56.1 28.6 268.9 223.7 20.2
Filtration 84.9 71.0 19.7 339.8 275.8 23.2
Food and Medical 92.3 78.5 17.5 354.7 310.2 14.4
Home and Personal 75.2 73.0 3.0 290.8 265.1 9.7
Label and Processing 181.9 162.5 12.0 724.3 598.5 21.0
Other functions* and
eliminations -25.2 -20.7 - -84.4 -77.2 -
Total net sales 481.4 420.5 14.5 1,894.2 1,596.1 18.7
* Other functions include financing and taxation-related receivables,
liabilities, and cost items, as well as earnings, costs, assets, and liabilities
belonging to holding and sales companies.
Development of net sales in October-December 2010
The Group's net sales increased by 14.5% compared to October-December 2009 and
amounted to EUR 481.4 million (EUR 420.5 million). The increase was attributable
to the price increases. Growth was the strongest in the Asia-Pacific region
(+30.3%) and in North America (+15.7%). Net sales in Europe grew by 11.4% and in
South America by 10.6%.
Delivery volumes in tons decreased by 1.4% from the year earlier with the
decline in the deliveries in both Home and Personal (-6.8%) and Label and
Processing (-6.5%) Business Areas. Building and Energy (+18.5%), Food and
Medical (+7.0%) and Filtration (+6.4%) increased their delivery volumes.
Net sales of the Building and Energy segment increased by 28.6% to EUR 72.2
million (EUR 56.1 million). Net sales were boosted in particular by the growing
wallcover material markets in China and the growing building and flooring
materials markets in Russia. The wind power markets, which use Ahlstrom's
fiberglass products, improved in Europe but remained depressed in North America.
Net sales of the Filtration segment increased by 19.7% to EUR 84.9 million (EUR
71.0 million). Growth was supported by the increased demand in the
transportation industry in Asia and North America as well as the increases in
selling prices.
Net sales of the Food and Medical segment increased by 17.5% to EUR 92.3 million
(EUR 78.5 million). Sales volumes of the food industry packaging and infusion
materials and of the medical nonwovens grew due to improved demand.
Net sales of the Home and Personal segment increased by 3.0% to EUR 75.2 million
(EUR 73.0 million). Net sales were positively impacted by the price increases.
The comparison period was positively impacted by the preparations for the
possible spread of the H1N1 virus causing swine flu, which boosted the demand
for hygiene products.
Net sales of the Label and Processing segment increased by 12.0% to EUR 181.9
million (EUR 162.5 million). Net sales were increased by the selling prices
which were raised due to the higher raw material costs. The sales volumes,
however, declined as customers reduced seasonally their inventories towards the
end of the year.
Development of net sales in 2010
Demand for and sales volumes of Ahlstrom's products increased during 2010 and
the company adjusted the selling prices to compensate for the rapidly increased
raw material costs. The Group's net sales in 2010 amounted to EUR 1,894.2
million, showing an increase of 18.7% compared to the previous year (EUR
1,596.1 million). The change in net sales was primarily attributable to the
growing sales volumes in the first half of the year, whereas price increases had
the biggest impact in the second half.
The Group's sales in tons increased by 8.7% from the previous year as all
Business Areas increased their delivery volumes.
The Filtration (+23.2%), Label and Processing (+21.0%) and Building and Energy
(+20.2%) Business Areas increased their net sales the most. The less cyclical
business areas of Food and Medical (+14.4%) and Home and Personal (+9.7%) also
increased their net sales.
RESULT AND PROFITABILITY
Financial result 10-12/ 10-12/ Change, 2010 2009 Change, MEUR
by business area 2010 2009 MEUR
Building and Energy
Operating profit excl.
NRI 1.2 -2.5 3.6 1.3 -8.3 9.6
Operating profit/loss 1.2 -4.5 5.7 1.3 -10.8 12.1
Operating profit/loss,
% 1.6 -8.1 - 0.5 -4.8 -
Filtration
Operating profit excl.
NRI 4.2 4.5 -0.3 27.8 16.2 11.6
Operating profit/loss -20.7 -6.9 -13.8 3.1 3.7 -0.6
Operating profit/loss,
% -24.4 -9.7 - 0.9 1.4 -
Food and Medical
Operating profit excl.
NRI 3.9 6.7 -2.8 14.0 15.7 -1.7
Operating profit/loss 2.1 1.7 0.4 13.0 9.4 3.6
Operating profit/loss,
% 2.3 2.2 - 3.7 3.0 -
Home and Personal
Operating profit excl.
NRI 2.0 3.9 -1.9 6.3 4.9 1.4
Operating profit/loss 1.7 -18.3 20.0 6.1 -18.9 24.9
Operating profit/loss,
% 2.3 -25.0 - 2.1 -7.1 -
Label and Processing
Operating profit excl.
NRI 4.9 3.5 1.4 30.6 9.9 20.6
Operating profit/loss 5.0 -0.9 5.8 32.2 3.3 28.9
Operating profit/loss,
% 2.7 -0.5 - 4.4 0.6 -
Other functions* and
eliminations
Operating profit excl.
NRI -1.1 3.5 -4,6 -5,8 1,4 -7,1
Operating profit/loss 3.8 2.2 1.6 -2.0 -1.4 -0.6
Ahlstrom Group total
Operating profit excl.
NRI 15.0 19.5 -4.5 74.2 39.8 34.5
Operating profit/loss -7.0 -26.6 19.6 53.7 -14.6 68.3
Operating profit/loss,
% -1.5 -6.3 - 2.8 -0.9 -
ROCE, % -2.5 -9.4 - 5.0 -1.1 -
* Other functions include financing and taxation-related receivables,
liabilities, and cost items, as well as earnings, costs, assets, and liabilities
belonging to holding and sales companies.
Result and profitability in October-December 2010
The Group's operating loss was EUR 7.0 million (EUR -26.6 million). The figure
included non-recurring items of EUR -22.0 million (EUR -46.2 million). Operating
profit excluding non-recurring items was EUR 15.0 million compared with EUR
19.5 million the year earlier. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items
for the comparison period included income of approximately EUR 3.6 million from
the adjustment of pension costs in the U.S.
The most significant non-recurring items in the fourth quarter of the year were:
* In other functions, Ahlstrom booked a EUR 4.7 million capital gain from the
sale of Altenkirchen GmbH in Germany
* The Food and Medical Business Area booked a EUR 1.8 million cost from the
closing of a production line at the Chirnside plant in the U.K.
* The Filtration Business Area booked a loss of EUR 18.4 million from the sale
of Groesbeck business and a loss of EUR 6.5 million from the sale of three
production lines in Bethune in the U.S.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, the most significant non-recurring losses
included a EUR 22.4 million impairment charge in the Home and Personal Business
Area, a EUR 7.3 million cost from the closure of a paper machine in Barcelona in
the Filtration Business Area. In addition, Label and Processing Business Area
booked a EUR 3.4 million non-recurring cost from the restructuring of operations
at Altenkirchen.
The costs of the development programs related to the new operating model and the
challenges in the ramp-up and commercialization of new production lines included
in the investment programs of previous years continued to have a negative impact
on profitability in the quarter. Operating profit was positively affected by the
restructuring programs of 2009.
Ahlstrom increased the prices of specialty papers, filtration materials and
wipes, in particular, in order to compensate for the increased costs of raw
materials such as chemicals, energy and specialty pulp.
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the Building and Energy
segment increased to EUR 1.2 million from the comparison period loss of EUR 2.5
million, supported by the streamlining of operations and increase in utilization
rate levels. The positive development in the plant started in Tver, Russia, in
2008 continued as demand strengthened in the local market. The ramp-up of the
hybrid wallcover line in Turin, Italy, continued to burden the result. Operating
profit amounted to EUR 1.2 million (EUR -4.5 million).
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the Filtration segment was EUR
4.2 million (EUR 4.5 million). The result was burdened by the increase in raw
material costs, particularly chemicals and specialty pulp. New price increases
were announced at the year end. Higher sales volumes and more effective cost
structure had a positive impact. Operating loss amounted to EUR 20.7 million
(EUR -6.9 million) due to non-recurring losses from the divestment of
operations.
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the Food and Medical segment
decreased to EUR 3.9 million (EUR 6.7 million). The result was impacted by poor
product mix. The medical nonwovens plant in Mundra, India, which started
operations last year, continued to burden the result, albeit it improved its
utilization rate. The commercialization of the teabag material line in
Chirnside, U.K., still affected the profitability negatively. Operating profit
was EUR 2.1 million (EUR 1.7 million).
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the Home and Personal segment
fell to EUR 2.0 million (EUR 3.9 million). Lower demand for wipes in Europe had
a negative impact. The comparison period was positively affected by the H1N1
virus boosting the sales temporarily. The more effective cost structure had a
positive impact on the result. Operating profit amounted to EUR 1.7 million (EUR
-18.3 million).
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the Label and Processing
segment increased to EUR 4.9 million (EUR 3.5 million), helped by better cost-
efficiency. The result was burdened by lower demand compared to the previous
year and continued challenges with La Gere profitability. Operating profit
amounted to EUR 5.0 million (EUR -0.9 million).
Market related downtime in production was 12.2% in October-December compared
with 12.0% a year earlier.
Net financial expenses were EUR 5.4 million (EUR 6.4 million). Net financial
expenses include net interest expenses of EUR 4.5 million (EUR 4.9 million),
financing exchange rate gains of EUR 0.5 million (EUR 0.1 million), and other
financial expenses of EUR 1.4 million (EUR 1.5 million).
Loss before taxes was EUR 12.6 million (EUR -33.4 million).
The company's deferred tax income amounted to EUR 5.8 million (EUR 5.5 million).
Loss for the period was EUR 6.8 million (EUR -27.9 million). Loss per share was
EUR 0.18 (EUR -0.61).
Return on capital employed (ROCE) amounted to -2.5% (-9.4%), and return on
equity (ROE) was -3.9% (-17.1%).
Result and profitability in 2010
The Group's operating profit was EUR 53.7 million (operating loss EUR 14.6
million). The result included non-recurring items amounting to EUR -20.5 million
(EUR -54.3 million). Operating profit excluding non-recurring items amounted to
EUR 74.2 million, which was higher than in the comparison period (EUR 39.8
million). The operating profit was in particular boosted by the higher sales
volumes and the more effective cost structure. The operating profit excluding
non-recurring items for the period under review included earnings of
approximately EUR 6.3 million (EUR 3.9 million) from the sale of carbon dioxide
emission rights.
The teabag materials line in Chirnside, the La Gere plant, the hybrid wallcover
line in Turin and the Mundra plant that were part of the 2007 and 2008
investment program burdened 2010 operating profit excluding non-recurring items
by approximately EUR 19 million.
Significant non-recurring items in 2010 and 2009 are mentioned in the "Result
and profitability in October-December 2010" section of this report.
Thanks to the recovered demand and improved sales volumes, market related
downtime in production was 10.4% in 2010, whereas it had been 18.2% in the
previous year.
Net financial expenses were EUR 26.8 million (EUR 26.2 million). Net financial
expenses include net interest expenses of EUR 21.4 million (EUR 23.3 million),
financing exchange rate gains of EUR 0.2 million (losses of EUR 0.2 million),
and other financial expenses of EUR 5.5 million (EUR 2.7 million).
Profit before taxes was EUR 25.5 million (EUR -40.1 million).
Income taxes were EUR 7.6 million (deferred tax income EUR 7.1 million).
Profit for the period was EUR 17.9 million (EUR -32.9 million). Earnings per
share were EUR 0.26 (EUR -0.72).
Return on capital employed (ROCE) amounted to 5.0% (-1.1%), and return on equity
(ROE) was 2.6% (-5.0%).
FINANCING
Net cash flow from operating activities amounted to EUR 167.5 million in 2010
(EUR 209.6 million), and cash flow after investments was EUR 118.8 million (EUR
143.3 million).
Operative working capital has been given special attention since the beginning
of 2009. In 2010, the operative working capital decreased by EUR 50.4 million to
EUR 194.3 million, and its turnover decreased by 16 days and was 37 days at the
end of 2010.
The company's interest-bearing net liabilities decreased by EUR 65.8 million
from the end of 2009 to EUR 330.1 million (December 31, 2009: EUR 395.9
million). Ahlstrom's interest bearing liabilities amounted to EUR 354.7 million.
The duration of the loan portfolio (average interest rate fixing period) was 26
months and the capital weighted average interest rate was 4.37%. The average
maturity of the loan portfolio was 37 months.
In November, Ahlstrom issued a five-year, EUR 100 million bond to extend the
maturity of its loan portfolio and partly to refinance the EUR 200 million
revolving credit facility maturing in 2012. In December, the company signed a
seven-year, EUR 45 million loan agreement with the European Investment Bank for
research and development.
The company's liquidity is good. At the end of the period, its total liquidity,
including cash, unused committed credit facilities and cash pool limits totaled
EUR 382.1 million. In addition, the company had uncommitted credit facilities
totaling EUR 169.1 million available.
Gearing ratio decreased to 46.9% (December 31, 2009: 57.7%). Equity ratio was
45.6% (December 31, 2009: 44.8%).
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
Ahlstrom's capital expenditure excluding acquisitions totaled EUR 51.1 million
in 2010 (EUR 63.8 million).
In September, Ahlstrom completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of
Shandong Puri Filter & Paper Products Ltd. from Purico Group. The debt-free
purchase price was EUR 21.1 million. The company manufactures filtration
materials for the transportation industry in Binzhou, Shandong province, on the
east coast of China.
Ahlstrom announced in October that it will establish a joint venture with
Longkou Yulong Paper Co. in China. The venture will build a factory to
manufacture papers used in sterilization wraps in the medical industry and
masking tape substrates for the construction industry in the Asian markets.
Ahlstrom's ownership share in the joint venture will be 60% and that of Yulong
Paper, 40%. The total value of the investment is approximately EUR 21.9 million,
of which Ahlstrom will invest EUR 13.1 million. The new factory is expected to
be operational in the summer of 2012.
In December, Ahlstrom announced it will invest EUR 17.5 million in the
additional capacity of filtration materials for the transportation industry in
its plant in Turin, Italy.
Ahlstrom's new medical nonwovens plant in Mundra, India, was inaugurated in May
2010. The size of this investment was approximately EUR 42 million.
NEW BUSINESS AREAS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
As part of the reorganization announced on May 10, 2010, the company divided its
operations into five business areas as of July 1, 2010: The new structure
supports the company's strategy which is based on two operating clusters, the
Value Added cluster and the Operational Excellence cluster.
The new business areas are:
* Building and Energy
* Filtration
* Food and Medical
* Home and Personal
* Label and Processing
Of the business areas, Building and Energy, Filtration and Food and Medical are
part of the Value Added cluster, and Home and Personal as well as Label and
Processing are part of the Operational Excellence cluster.
In financial reporting, these five Business Areas form Ahlstrom's reporting
segments, and the former Fiber Composites and Specialty Papers segments ceased
to exist.
CHANGES IN THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
William Casey was appointed Senior Vice President of the then Advanced Nonwovens
Business Area and member of the Group Executive Management Team as of February
8, 2010. Casey has been leading Ahlstrom's Food and Medical Business Area since
July 1, 2010.
In connection with the organization change, the following changes took place in
the Group Executive Team as of July 1, 2010.
The two Specialty Papers business areas were combined, and Patrick Jeambar was
appointed EVP of the newly formed Label and Processing Business Area. Daniele
Borlatto, previously EVP Release and Label, took on a new role as the VP of
Release and Label business and VP of the supply chain for the Business Area. He
reports to Patrick Jeambar. Gustav Adlercreutz is the VP of Legal Affairs and
reports to CFO Seppo Parvi.
Risto Anttonen, Deputy to the CEO, retired at the end of 2010. Anttonen was in
charge of business development, and his duties were assigned to other members of
the EMT.
CFO Seppo Parvi was nominated as deputy for the President as of January
1, 2011. Parvi continues in his CFO position and as a member of the EMT as
before.
Ahlstrom's Executive Management Team as of December 31, 2010:
Jan Lång, President and CEO
Paula Aarnio, EVP, Human Resources & Sustainability
Jean-Marie Becker, EVP, Home and Personal
Tommi Björnman, EVP, Filtration
William Casey, EVP, Food and Medical
Claudio Ermondi, EVP, Product Development and Technology
Patrick Jeambar, EVP, Label and Processing
Seppo Parvi, CFO and deputy for the President from January 1, 2011
Laura Raitio, EVP, Building and Energy
Rami Raulas, EVP, Sales & Marketing
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW OPERATING MODEL
In conjunction with the reorganization on July 1, 2010, Ahlstrom started the
implementation of its new operating model. By strengthening and harmonizing
global processes the company aims to increase customer focus and enhance the
management of the entire product and supply chain. During the period under
review, Ahlstrom started development programs such as Integrated Business
Planning and "Our Way" project, where harmonization of processes would improve
e.g. customer service.
Ahlstrom plans to spend EUR 12 million in 2011 into the development programs to
harmonize global processes and for significant training activities.
STREAMLINING PROGRAMS
Ahlstrom announced in November that it will close the spunlace composite
production line at the Chirnside plant in the U.K. by the end of March 2011.
Line number 23 has been underutilized and it has not reached satisfactory
profitability level. Ahlstrom recognized a non-recurring loss of EUR 1.8 million
from the closing of the production line.
The project to reduce material waste in manufacturing launched in 2010 has been
progressing according to the plans. Ahlstrom aims to reduce production waste
volume by 15 percent, which equals to annual savings of approximately EUR 20
million as of 2012. At the end of 2010, the project had been launched in 11
plants, and the intention is to expand it to all production units by the end of
this year.
The restructuring programs of 2009 with targeted EUR 55 million in savings were
successfully completed in 2010.
The project to optimize operative working capital started in 2009 was completed.
At the end of the period under review, operative working capital was EUR 154.7
million less than at the end of 2008, when the project was launched. This
clearly surpassed the goal of EUR 100 million, set for the program.
PERSONNEL
In 2010, Ahlstrom employed an average of 5,823 people1[1] (5,993), and at the
end of the period, 5,688 people (5,841). The number of personnel increased
through the acquisition in China and hiring of new employees in India and China.
The number of personnel has decreased due to the announced disposals. The 2009
restructuring programs resulted in the reduction of approximately 650 people in
2009 and 2010.
At the end of the year, the highest numbers of employees were in the United
States (22.4%), France (21.4%), Italy (12.5%), Finland (10.6%), Brazil (7.2%)
and Germany (6.7%).
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND AUTHORIZATIONS OF THE BOARD
Ahlstrom Corporation's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on March 31,2010.
The AGM resolved to distribute a dividend of EUR 0.55 per share for the fiscal
year that ended on December 31, 2009 from the retained earnings in accordance
with the proposal of the Board of Directors. The AGM approved the financial
statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from
liability for the financial period January 1-December 31, 2009.
The AGM confirmed the number of members in the Ahlstrom Corporation's Board of
Directors at six. Thomas Ahlström, Sebastian Bondestam, Anders Moberg, Bertel
Paulig, and Peter Seligson were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors.
Lori J. Cross (born 1960) was elected as a new member of the Board.
In the organization meeting held after the Annual General Meeting, the Board
elected Peter Seligson as Chairman of the Board and Bertel Paulig as Vice
Chairman.
The Board resolved to establish three Committees: Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee, and Nomination Committee. Bertel Paulig (Chairman), Thomas Ahlström,
and Sebastian Bondestam were elected as members of the Audit Committee. Peter
Seligson (Chairman), Anders Moberg, and Lori J. Cross were elected as members of
the Compensation Committee. Five members were elected in the Nomination
Committee: Board members Peter Seligson (Chairman), Anders Moberg, and Bertel
Paulig as well as Risto Murto and Carl Ahlström as members outside the Board.
The composition of the Nomination Committee aims to increase the influence of
the shareholders in nominations.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was re-elected as the company's auditor on the Audit
Committee recommendation. PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy appointed Eero Suomela, APA,
as the responsible auditor.
The AGM authorized the Board of Directors to repurchase the company's own shares
in one or more installments in accordance with the proposal of the Board. Based
on the authorization, a maximum of 4,500,000 of its own shares can be
repurchased; however, taking into consideration the regulations of the Limited
Liability Companies Act regarding the allowable maximum number of treasury
shares held by a company at any given time. The shares may be repurchased only
through public trading at the prevailing market price using unrestricted
shareholders' equity.
The authorization contains the right of the Board of Directors to decide on all
other terms and conditions of the repurchase. Thus, the authorization also
contains the right to repurchase shares in a manner other than applying the
proportionate ownership of the shareholders.
Based on the authorization, the Board of Directors may resolve to distribute a
maximum of 4,500,000 own shares in the company's possession. The Board of
Directors is authorized to decide to whom and in which order the shares will be
distributed. The Board of Directors may resolve to distribute shares in a manner
other than that in which the shareholders have the priority to repurchase
shares. The shares may be used as consideration in acquisitions and in other
arrangements as well as to implement the company's share-based incentive plans,
in a manner and scope decided on 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 Board's authorizations to repurchase and distribute own shares 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.
OTHER EVENTS IN 2010
Ahlstrom launched internal investigation into procedures in India
On October 13, 2010, Ahlstrom initiated an internal investigation relating to
the procedures applied by a company representative at the Mundra plant in India.
The investigation concerned the suspected unethical behavior in handling
relationships with the authorities. The investigation was carried out by an
external party, KPMG. No illegalities were detected in the actions of the
company representative regarding dealings with the authorities.
Ahlstrom has decided to further elaborate and develop its Code of Conduct
regarding, among other things, reporting and documentation when dealing with the
authorities and other external parties. In addition, management and personnel
training on the Code of Conduct will be increased in the emerging markets in
particular. Ahlstrom has strict Code of Conduct, and the company wanted to
ensure that it had been followed.
Specified long-term financial targets
The Ahlstrom Board of Directors on October 26, 2010 approved the specified long-
term financial targets which support the company's profitable growth strategy.
The ROCE and gearing ratio targets remain unchanged, and, in addition, Ahlstrom
strives for a minimum annual growth of 5 percent in net sales at constant
currency rates, including acquisitions.
The ROCE target over economic cycles is 13 percent at a minimum, and the goal is
to reach this by 2012. With the current balance sheet structure, operating
profit of at least 7 percent is needed to reach the target. The gearing ratio
target is 50 to 80 percent.
Share-based incentive plan
On December 15, 2010, Ahlstrom's Board of Directors approved a long-term share-
based incentive plan as part of the remuneration and commitment program. The
program is targeted at a maximum of 50 persons per earning period, including the
members of the Group Executive Management Team and other key employees.
The duration of the program is five years and it includes three earning periods:
2011-2012, 2012-2014 and 2013-2015. The plan offers an opportunity to receive
Ahlstrom shares and cash (to cover the amount of taxes incurred on the total
reward) as a reward if the ROCE and earnings per share targets set by the Board
for each earning period are achieved. If the targets of the plan are achieved in
full for all three earning periods, the reward to be paid on the basis of the
plan will in its entirety correspond to a gross value of approximately
1,000,000 shares as a maximum.
Divestments
On December 3, 2010, Ahlstrom announced the divestment of the manufacturing of
sealing and shielding papers and sold the share capital of Ahlstrom Altenkirchen
GmbH to Interface Solutions, which is part of the U.S.-based Susquehanna Capital
private equity company. The value of the disposal was EUR 6.6 million, and
Ahlstrom booked a non-recurring profit of EUR 4.7 million from the transaction.
On December 7, 2010, Ahlstrom announced it will discontinue the manufacturing of
dust filtration materials and sell the Wuxi plant in China and three production
lines in Bethune, SC, in the U.S. to Andrew Industries. The value of the
disposal was EUR 5.2 million. The Bethune part of the transaction was completed
in December 2010 and Ahlstrom anticipates completing the Wuxi part of the sale
in the first quarter of 2011. Ahlstrom booked a non-recurring loss of EUR 6.5
million from the Bethune transaction.
On December 16, 2010, Ahlstrom announced it will discontinue the manufacturing
of air filtration materials for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning
industry and sell the plant in Groesbeck, TX, in the U.S. to Polyester Fibers, a
company managed by the capital investor Empire Investment Holdings. The value of
the disposal was EUR 4.5 million, and Ahlstrom booked a non-recurring loss of
EUR 18.4 million from it.
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 2010, a total of 7.74 million Ahlstrom shares were traded for a total of
EUR 96.7 million. The lowest trading price was EUR 9.31 and the highest EUR
17.00. The closing price on December 30, 2010 was EUR 14.84. The market
capitalization at the end of the year was EUR 686.0 million, excluding the
shares owned by the parent company and Ahlcorp Oy.
Ahlstrom Group's equity per share was EUR 13.48 at the end of the review period
(December 31, 2009: EUR 12.98).
The company received a notification in accordance with the Securities Markets
Act Chapter 2, Section 9, from Erkki Etola, dated May 21, 2010, on the change of
the said shareholder's holding. According to the notification, on May 20, 2010,
Etola's shareholding exceeded 5 percent (1/20) of Ahlstrom Corporation's shares
and votes.
The company received a notification in accordance with the Securities Markets
Act Chapter 2, Section 9, from Vilha Intressenter Ab, dated September 30, 2010,
on the change of the said shareholder's holding. According to the notification,
on September 29, 2010, Vilha Intressenter Ab's shareholding fell below 5 percent
(1/20) of Ahlstrom Corporation's shares and votes.
Repurchase of own shares
During the period under review, the Board of Directors used the authorization
granted by the Annual General Meeting of March 25, 2009, to repurchase the
company's own shares. The number of shares purchased was 75,000, which accounts
for less than 0.2 percent of Ahlstrom's all shares. The repurchase reduced the
company's distributable shareholders' equity. The purchases began on February
10, 2010 and ended on March 16, 2010. The average price was EUR 11.68.
During the period under review, the Board of Directors used the authorization
granted by the Annual General Meeting of March 31, 2010, to repurchase the
company's own shares. The number of shares purchased was 75,000, which accounts
for less than 0.2 percent of Ahlstrom's all shares. The repurchase reduced the
company's distributable shareholders' equity. The purchases began on November
03, 2010 and ended on December 13, 2010. The average price was EUR 14.62.
The company holds a total of 150,000 own shares. They were repurchased for the
implementation of the company's share-based incentive plan.
Management shareholding plan
Through the shareholding plan launched in August 2010, the President and CEO and
a group of EMT members personally invested a significant amount of their own
funds in Ahlstrom shares through a holding company, Ahlcorp Oy. Due to the U.S.
legal requirements, American EMT member William Casey acquired Ahlstrom shares
directly. The participants financed their investments partly by themselves and
partly by a loan issued by Ahlstrom Corporation to Ahlcorp Oy and William Casey.
The loans issued by Ahlstrom Corporation are interest-bearing and amount to a
maximum of EUR 3,920,000. In the plan, Ahlcorp Oy and William Casey may purchase
a total of Ahlstrom shares worth EUR 4,900,000 at a maximum.
The purchase of shares was finalized during the review period. By the end of it
Ahlcorp and William Casey held a total of 329,929 shares.
The plan enables the participants to acquire a considerable shareholding in the
company. The system harmonizes the interests of the company and its management
and supports the achievement of Ahlstrom's strategic objectives. The
participants themselves bear the owner risk of their personal investments.
Ahlcorp Oy holds a total of 296,311 Ahlstrom shares, which has been presented as
the repurchase of the Group's own shares. The purchases decreased the Group's
equity by EUR 4.4 million.
Events after the review period
Ahlstrom's Louveira plant in Brazil, manufacturing filtration materials for the
transportation industry, was hit by a thunderstorm and flooded in January. There
were no injuries to Ahlstrom staff or other people in the plant area. The plant
was partly restarted by the end of January. Insurance will cover the majority of
the financial losses.
DIVIDEND POLICY AND PROPOSAL FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS
Ahlstrom aims to pay a dividend of not less than one third of the net cash from
operating activities after operative investments, calculated as a three-year
rolling average to achieve stability in the dividend payout. Operative
investments include maintenance, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement
investments.
The distributable funds in the balance sheet of Ahlstrom Corporation as per
December 31, 2010 amounted to EUR 650,191,838.64
The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that a
dividend of EUR 0.88 per share be paid for the financial year which ended on
December 31, 2010. The dividend will be paid to shareholders registered in the
Register of Shareholders held by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date, April
4, 2011. On December 31, 2010, the number of shares of the Company amounted to
46,670,608 based on which the maximum amount that can be distributed as dividend
would be EUR 41,070,135.04. The Board of Directors proposes that the dividend be
paid on April 11, 2011.
In addition, the Board of Directors proposes that EUR 100,000.00 will be
reserved for donations at the discretion of the Board.
OUTLOOK
The demand for most of Ahlstrom's products is anticipated to increase this year,
backed by the global economic growth, albeit the growth rate will stabilize from
2010. More efficient cost base and continuous development of operations will
support the company's financial result.
Ahlstrom estimates the net sales for the current year to amount to EUR
1,920-2,080 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items is estimated
to be EUR 90-110 million. In 2010, Ahlstrom's net sales were EUR 1,894.2 million
and operating profit excluding non-recurring items was EUR 74.2 million.
Selling price increases will continue in order to cover the recent and future
increases in raw material costs.
In 2011, investments excluding acquisitions are estimated at approximately EUR
105 million (EUR 51.1 million in 2010). The figure includes investments that
have already been already announced such as the filtration material capacity
increase in Turin and the plant investment together with joint venture partner
in China.
SHORT-TERM RISKS
The continuing growth of economies in Asia and other emerging economic areas has
been a strengthening trend in the global economy recently. In contrast, in
Europe and North America the development varies widely between different areas.
In Europe, economic growth and thus demand for products manufactured by Ahlstrom
may be slowed down by cuts in public expenditure due to the debt crisis and by
tax increases as well as by the continuing high unemployment rate in the U.S. If
economic growth slows down faster than expected, it may be necessary to curb
production more than planned, and the risk of unsuccessful increases in or even
reductions of selling prices will grow.
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.
The prices of chemicals are expected to continue rising at the beginning of this
year due to insufficient supply. The price development of synthetic fibers is
difficult to estimate at the moment.
If the prices of raw materials remain at a high level or continue to rise, and
the increased raw material costs cannot be transferred to selling prices,
maintaining the increased profitability achieved in 2010 might be compromised.
The general risks of Ahlstrom's business operations are described in greater
detail on the company website at www.ahlstrom.com and in the report by the Board
of Directors in the company's Annual Report 2010. The risk management process is
also described in the Corporate Governance Statement available on the company
website.
* * *
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the 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, February 1, 2011
Ahlstrom Corporation
Board of Directors
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Jan Lång, President & CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 888 4700
Seppo Parvi, CFO, tel.+358 (0)10 888 4768
Ahlstrom's President & CEO Jan Lång and CFO Seppo Parvi will present the 2010
results in a Finnish-language press and analyst conference in Helsinki today,
February 1, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. (GMT+2). The conference will take place at Event
Arena Bank, address Unioninkatu 20, 2nd floor. 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 and investors today, February 1, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. (GMT+2).
To participate in the conference call, please dial (09) 2319 4250 in Finland or
+44 (0)20 7806 1953 outside Finland a few minutes before the conference begins.
The access code is 7880049.
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 February 1, 2011 after the Interim
Report is published, at www.ahlstrom.com > Investors > Reports and presentations
/> 2010. Material in Finnish will be available at www.ahlstrom.fi > Sijoittajat >
Katsaukset ja presentaatiot > 2010.
AHLSTROM'S FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN 2011
Ahlstrom will publish financial information in 2011 as follows:
+--------------------------------+--------------------+----------------+
|Report |Date of publication |Silent period |
+--------------------------------+--------------------+----------------+
|Interim Report January-March |Thursday, April 28 |April 1-28 |
+--------------------------------+--------------------+----------------+
|Interim Report January-June |Wednesday, August 10|July 1-August 10|
+--------------------------------+--------------------+----------------+
|Interim Report January-September|Monday, October 24 |October 1-24 |
+--------------------------------+--------------------+----------------+
During the silent period, Ahlstrom will not communicate with capital market
representatives.
The annual report 2010 will be published during week 11.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on March 30, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. in
Finlandia Hall, at Mannerheimintie 13 e, Helsinki, Finland.
Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
www.ahlstrom.com
Principal media
Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of
high performance nonwovens and specialty papers. Ahlstrom's products are used in
a large variety of everyday applications, such as filters, wipes, flooring,
labels, and tapes. Based upon its unique fiber expertise and innovative
approach, the company has a strong market position in several business areas in
which it operates. Ahlstrom's 5,700 employees serve customers via sales offices
and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2010,
Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to approximately EUR 1.9 billion. Ahlstrom's share
is quoted on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. The company website is at
www.ahlstrom.com.
APPENDIX
Consolidated financial statements
APPENDIX
Financial statements are unaudited.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME STATEMENT Q4 Q4 Q1-Q4 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2010 2009 2010 2009
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales 481.4 420.5 1,894.2 1,596.1
Cost of goods sold -425.6 -378.1 -1,647.7 -1,421.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 55.8 42.4 246.5 174.6
Sales and marketing expenses -12.5 -13.2 -52.6 -49.6
R&D expenses -5.4 -5.7 -20.3 -21.6
Administrative expenses -28.4 -22.3 -108.8 -95.0
Other operating income 8.3 5.3 17.1 13.4
Other operating expense -24.6 -33.0 -28.1 -36.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit / loss -7.0 -26.6 53.7 -14.6
Net financial expenses -5.4 -6.4 -26.8 -26.2
Share of profit / loss of associated companies -0.2 -0.4 -1.4 0.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss before taxes -12.6 -33.4 25.5 -40.1
Income taxes 5.8 5.5 -7.6 7.1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss for the period -6.8 -27.9 17.9 -32.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attributable to
Owners of the parent -6.8 -27.9 17.9 -32.9
Non-controlling interest - - - -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share, EUR
- Basic and diluted * -0.18 -0.61 0.26 -0.72
* With the effect of interest on hybrid bond for the period, net of tax
----------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Q4 Q4 Q1-Q4 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit / loss for the period -6.8 -27.9 17.9 -32.9
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Translation differences 12.9 10.1 39.2 32.5
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations - -0.9 -2.8 -1.0
Cash flow hedges 1.2 0.4 0.8 0.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 14.2 9.7 37.3 31.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total comprehensive income for the period 7.4 -18.3 55.2 -1.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Attributable to
Owners of the parent 7.4 -18.3 55.2 -1.1
Non-controlling interest - - - -
-----------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET Dec 31, Dec 31,
EUR million 2010 2009
-----------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 704.9 717.6
Goodwill 156.2 151.3
Other intangible assets 49.5 52.1
Investments in associated companies 10.7 12.1
Other investments 0.4 0.2
Other receivables 35.8 23.0
Deferred tax assets 54.9 54.5
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current assets 1,012.4 1,010.8
Current assets
Inventories 198.0 175.9
Trade and other receivables 305.8 319.9
Income tax receivables 2.4 3.7
Other investments - -
Cash and cash equivalents 24.6 19.9
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 530.8 519.4
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 1,543.2 1,530.2
-----------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 623.0 605.6
Hybrid bond 80.0 80.0
Non-controlling interest 0.9 -
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total equity 703.8 685.6
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 261.7 235.1
Employee benefit obligations 76.2 78.2
Provisions 3.1 5.0
Other liabilities 4.4 0.4
Deferred tax liabilities 27.7 23.8
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total non-current liabilities 373.1 342.5
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 93.0 180.7
Trade and other payables 361.1 305.1
Income tax liabilities 4.4 3.7
Provisions 7.8 12.7
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 466.2 502.1
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 839.3 844.6
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total equity and liabilities 1,543.2 1,530.2
-----------------------------------------------------------
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, 2009 70.0 209.3 8.3 -1.2 -49.1 - 390.9 628.1 0.0 - 628.1
Profit / loss for the
period - - - - - - -32.9 -32.9 - - -32.9
Other comprehensive
income,
net of tax
Translation
differences - - - - 32.5 - - 32.5 - - 32.5
Hedges of net
investments
in foreign
operations - - - - -1.0 - - -1.0 - - -1.0
Cash flow hedges - - - 0.4 - - - 0.4 - - 0.4
Dividends paid and
other - - - - - - -21.0 -21.0 - - -21.0
Hybrid bond - - - - - - -0.5 -0.5 - 80.0 79.5
Interest on hybrid
bond - - - - - - - - - - -
Purchases of own
shares - - - - - - - - - - -
Share ownership plan
for EMT - - - - - - - - - - -
Change in non-
controlling
interests - - - - - - - - -0.0 - -0.0
Share-based incentive
plan - - - - - - 0.1 0.1 - - 0.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at December
31, 2009 70.0 209.3 8.3 -0.8 -17.7 - 336.6 605.6 - 80.0 685.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at January
1, 2010 70.0 209.3 8.3 -0.8 -17.7 - 336.6 605.6 - 80.0 685.6
Profit / loss for the
period - - - - - - 17.9 17.9 - - 17.9
Other comprehensive
income,
net of tax
Translation
differences - - - - 39.2 - - 39.2 - - 39.2
Hedges of net
investments
in foreign
operations - - - - -2.8 - - -2.8 - - -2.8
Cash flow hedges - - - 0.8 - - - 0.8 - - 0.8
Dividends paid and
other - - - - - - -26.2 -26.2 - - -26.2
Hybrid bond - - - - - - - - - - -
Interest on hybrid
bond - - - - - - -5.6 -5.6 - - -5.6
Purchases of own
shares - - - - - -2.0 - -2.0 - - -2.0
Share ownership plan
for EMT - - - - - -4.4 - -4.4 0.9 - -3.5
Change in non-
controlling
interests - - - - - - - - - - -
Share-based incentive
plan - - - - - - 0.3 0.3 - - 0.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity at December
31, 2010 70.0 209.3 8.3 0.0 18.8 -6.4 323.0 623.0 0.9 80.0 703.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Q4 Q4 Q1-Q4 Q1-Q4
EUR million 2010 2009 2010 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit / loss for the period -6.8 -27.9 17.9 -32.9
Adjustments, total 31.6 53.4 145.2 146.3
Changes in net working capital 12.6 34.2 69.2 129.3
Change in provisions 0.8 1.8 -4.9 -5.3
Financial items -12.9 -12.4 -53.2 -28.2
Income taxes paid / received -2.4 -0.5 -6.8 0.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash from operating activities 22.8 48.6 167.5 209.6
Cash flow from investing activities
Acquisition of Group companies - - -11.2 -0.0
Purchases of intangible and tangible assets -19.6 -11.8 -48.7 -69.8
Other investing activities
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 01.02.2011 - 11:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 50927
Anzahl Zeichen: 65590
contact information:
Town:
Helsinki
Kategorie:
Business News
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 177 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"Ahlstrom financial statements bulletin 2010: Strong cash flow and net sales growth continued"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
Ahlstrom Oyj (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
