Ahlstrom's Profitibility Improved Clearly in 2005

February 3, 2006 Ahlstrom, a leader in high performance fiber-based materials, reports an improved operating profit compared with the financial year 2004. In 2005, the operating profit amounted to EUR 117.2 million (EUR 62.1 million). Excluding on-recurring gains totaling EUR 18.2 million, the operating profit of 2005 was EUR 99.0 million (EUR 82.1 million).

Return on capital employed (ROCE) was 12.4% (7.0%) in 2005 and excluding the non-recurring gains 10.5% (9.1%). Basic earnings per share (EPS) amounted to EUR 1.71 (0.91).

Ahlstrom's net sales were EUR 1,552.6 million in 2005 (EUR 1,567.8 million).

October - December 2005

* Net sales, excluding divested cores and board business, grew by 5.2%, while sales volumes remained stable
* Profitability improved despite challenging market situation
* Ahlstrom announced organic growth investments in La Gère, France and Mikkeli, Finland plants, valued at EUR 35 million in total
* Add-on acquisitions in the USA and China announced in December support Ahlstrom's growth. Net sales of these acquired businesses were approximately EUR 20 million in total in 2005.

Jukka Moisio, President & CEO, says:

"Our performance improved clearly in 2005 although it still remained below the company long-term target level for return on capital employed (ROCE) of 13%. Operating profit grew due to a more competitive cost structure and better manufacturing performance. High energy and raw material prices put pressure on our margins but price increases partially offset these higher costs. Our divestment-adjusted net sales and volumes grew from the 2004 level and new investments were announced during the course of 2005 to support future growth. Furthermore, three add-on acquisitions in the FiberComposites segment were announced at the end of 2005 and early 2006. Growth actions, combined with improving profitability, position Ahlstrom well to serve its customers in 2006 and beyond."

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