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Suominen decreases its estimate on full-year operating profit due to slower than planned start-up of the new production line at Bethune plant, guidance on net sales growth remains intact

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-07-20 06:45 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Suominen Corporation   Stock Exchange Release  20 July 2017 at 7.45am EEST

Suominen decreases its estimate on full-year operating profit due to slower than planned start-up of the new production line at Bethune plant, guidance on net sales growth remains intact

In its previous interim report, on April 26 2017, Suominen expected that for the full year 2017, its net sales will improve from year 2016. Also the comparable operating profit was estimated to improve from year 2016, provided that the new production line at the Bethune plant will be started up as planned.  Now Suominen revises its estimate regarding the operating profit development and expects that for the full year 2017, its net sales will improve from year 2016 but its comparable operating profit will fall short of the 2016 level. In 2016, Suominen’s net sales amounted to EUR 416.9 million and comparable operating profit to EUR 25.6 million.

Suominen’s new production line at the Bethune, SC, US plant has been started up and the first invoiced products were delivered to customers during the second quarter. However, the start-up progress has been slower than anticipated and Suominen estimates the new line to generate less sales in 2017 than it had previously forecasted. Lower-than-forecasted net sales combined with the line’s cost level that reflects normal operational status will have a negative impact on the company’s operating profit in 2017.

Another factor decreasing Suominen’s operating profit in full year 2017 is the sales mix. In the first half of 2017, the share of products with high value add in Suominen’s net sales decreased from the comparison period. When the new line is fully in production mode it will contribute to a favorable change of the sales mix.

Suominen’s sales have consistently been on a higher level during 2017 as compared to 2016. This trend will continue the rest of the year, with the addition of some of the new capacity. Moreover, the business environment of the second half of 2017 seems more encouraging than that of the first half of the year. Hence Suominen’s estimate on net sales growth in 2017 remains unchanged. The company expects its net sales to improve from 2016 level (In 2016: EUR 416.9 million).

SUOMINEN CORPORATION
Board of Directors

For additional information, please contact:
Nina Kopola, President & CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 214 300
Tapio Engström, Senior Vice President and CFO, tel. +358 (0)10 214 300

Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.suominen.fi

Suominen in brief

Suominen manufactures nonwovens as roll goods for wipes as well as for medical and hygiene products. The end products made of Suominen’s nonwovens – wet wipes, feminine care products and swabs, for instance – bring added value to the daily life of consumers worldwide. Suominen is the global market leader in nonwovens for wipes and employs nearly 650 people in Europe and in the Americas. Suominen’s net sales in 2016 amounted to EUR 416.9 million and comparable operating profit to EUR 25.6 million. The Suominen share (SUY1V) is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange (Mid Cap). Read more at www.suominen.fi.