Apr 27, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Ahlstrom's 1Q 2012 net sales decreased by 3.9% to Euro 405.8 million, compared with Euro 422.5 million in the 1Q 2011. The decline was mainly due to lower sales volumes. Higher selling prices and a favorable currency effect, mainly as the U.S. dollar appreciated against the euro, had a positive impact on net sales, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Total sales volumes in tons fell 5.8% from the comparison period. The decline affected sales volumes in all business areas; Building and Energy (-21.0%), Filtration (-1.1%), Food and Medical (-11.0%) and Label and Processing (-2.7%). Total sales volumes, excluding the impact from closures, decreased by 2.9%. Ahlstrom's 1Q 2012 operating profit was Euro 17 million, including non-recurring items of Euro -0.3 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items was Euro 17.4 million. Profit before taxes was Euro 12.4 million. Income taxes amounted to Euro 4.6 million. Profit for the period was Euro 7.8 million (EUR 8.3 million). Earnings per share were Euro 0.14. Ahlstrom reiterates its outlook for 2012 published in February. Net sales from continuing operations are expected to be Euro 1,575-1,735 million. Operating profit excluding non-recurring items from continuing operations is expected to be Euro 60-80 million. Jan Lång, President and CEO, comments 1Q results: “We had a good start to the year as our financial performance improved clearly from the end of 2011. The operating environment remained challenging in our main markets, although it was somewhat better than we anticipated at the beginning of the year. The market development in Asia, however, has not been as positive as expected.”