Jan 17, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. According to Ahlstrom's preliminary information, the company's net sales in 2006 are anticipated to be Euro 1.6 billion. Operating profit is expected to be approximately Euro 96 million and profit before taxes Euro 81 million. Earnings per share is estimated to be approximately Euro 1.30. Operating profit, excluding net non-recurring items, is expected to be approximately Euro 88 million and profit before taxes, excluding net non-recurring items, approximately Euro 73 million. Ahlstrom has booked net non-recurring costs of approximately Euro 2 million in the fourth quarter related to asset impairment in the label & packaging papers business area and restructuring costs in the filtration business area. The overall demand in 2006 was in line with expectations, whereas high raw material and energy costs put pressure on Ahlstrom's margins, especially in the specialty papers segment. Ahlstrom is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of high performance fiber-based materials. Nonwovens and specialty papers, made by Ahlstrom, are used in a large variety of everyday products, e.g. in filters, wipes, flooring, labels, and tapes. The company has a strong market position in several business areas in which it operates, built upon the company's unique fiber expertise and innovative approach. Ahlstrom's 5 700 employees serve customers via sales offices and production facilities in more than 20 countries on six continents. In 2005, Ahlstrom's net sales amounted to Euro 1.6 billion. Ahlstrom's share is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.