Ahlstrom, a Finnish leader in fibre-based specialty materials, reported net sales of €739.4 million ($791.16 million) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. This marks a modest growth compared to €735.4 million in Q1 2024, representing a 5% increase driven by an enhanced product mix and higher selling prices. The cost of goods sold stood at €608.3 million, leading to a gross profit of €131.1 million ($140.28 million).
The company reported an operating result of €54.3 million, alongside a record-breaking comparable EBITDA of €107.6 million (~$115.13 million). This exceptional performance was fueled by systematic execution of strategic initiatives, including optimization of pricing, procurement, operational efficiency, and improvements in the product mix. Meanwhile, the reported EBITDA amounted to €99.3 million, benefitting from reduced items impacting comparability, according to a press release from Ahlstrom.
“In today’s volatile and uncertain market environment, we achieved a record-high comparable EBITDA for Q1 2025,” said Helen Mets, president and CEO of Ahlstrom. “This accomplishment reflects our disciplined strategic execution. We have set new benchmarks for margins on variable cost per ton by focusing on pricing, cost efficiency, operational excellence, and enhancing our product mix.”
Mets further highlighted the company’s sustained financial stability, with operating cash flow remaining robust. “Customer activity has increased, and most of our businesses sustained the solid levels seen in the first quarter of 2024. I am especially proud of the improvement in our customer net loyalty score, which was already among the highest in the industry. This reinforces the strength of our customer partnerships,” she added.
In a strategic move to expand its capabilities, Ahlstrom recently finalized a binding agreement to acquire Stevens Point, a premium solutions provider specializing in food packaging, consumer packaging, and e-commerce applications.
Ahlstrom maintains a global operational footprint with 35 production facilities located across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Its “local-for-local” manufacturing and delivery strategy enhances operational flexibility and ensures reliable supply, enabling the company to effectively manage trade disruptions in the current challenging market environment, the release concluded.
