Dividend

According to the dividend policy, Ahlstrom will aim to pay a dividend of not less than one third of the net cash from operating activities after operative investments (such as maintenance, cost improvement and efficiency improvement investments), calculated as a three-year rolling average. The three-year rolling average shall be used to achieve stability in the dividend payout.

The remaining cash flow will be used mainly for reducing the net debt and for supporting the growth of the company.

Ahlstrom's previous dividend policy was to pay a dividend averaging at least 50% of the profit for the period of the previous financial year.  

Dividends in 2005–2011

Year             Dividend/share, EUR    
2005                     1.79                            
2006                     1.00                            
2007                     1.00        
2008                     0.45    
2009                     0.55
2010                     0.88
2011                     1.30*   

*The Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that for the financial year ended on December 31, 2011 a dividend totaling EUR 1.30 per share be paid: a dividend of EUR 0.87 per share and an extra dividend of EUR 0.43 per share based on cash generated from the divestiture of the Home and Personal business area.