Despite the volume increase in a majority of Ahlstrom's businesses during the third quarter, there was a stronger than anticipated decrease in the demand for some of Ahlstrom's products, e.g. wipes and products for the building, automotive and marine industries.
Ahlstrom anticipates its full-year operating profit excluding non-recurring items to be clearly lower than that of 2007, which was EUR 67.8 million. The company has taken actions to adjust its production to the lower demand.
Prices for Ahlstrom's main raw materials, especially pulp, are expected to decrease from the current high level. Decreasing raw material and oil prices are anticipated to have a positive impact on Ahlstrom's cost base. In addition, the recent heavy growth investment program is expected to have a favorable effect on Ahlstrom's result in 2009 as compared with that of 2008.