Jan 31, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) reported strong sales and EBITDA margin growth in the 4Q 2014. Sales increased from volume, pricing and share gains in targeted packaging and specialty chemicals end markets. Margin grew from strong operational and commercial performance, returns on major productivity investments and continued cost reductions. As a result, total company EBITDA ex-items increased 18% to $246 million or 17.9% of sales.

Sales from continuing operations in the 4Q 2014 were $1.37 billion compared to $1.31 billion in the 4Q 2013. Income from continuing operations attributable to the company in the 4Q 2014 was $53 million or $0.31 per share, compared to $209 million or $1.16 per share in the 4Q 2013. Income from continuing operations attributable to the company excluding special items was $78 million or $0.46 per share in the 4Q 2014, compared to $51 million or $0.29 per share in the 4Q 2013.

“MWV's revenue and earnings growth this quarter was the result of momentum we generated throughout a very good year of performance in 2014,” said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and CEO, MWV. “Our strong packaging and specialty chemicals results reinforce the benefits of the market-focused strategies we have established in each business. We are confident our packaging and specialty chemicals businesses will continue to be successful and contribute to long-term shareholder value creation as new companies.”

Sales from continuing operations for full-year 2014 were $5.6 billion compared to $5.4 billion for full-year 2013.

Income from continuing operations attributable to the company for full-year 2014 was $262 million or $1.53 per share compared to $320 million or $1.78 per share for full-year 2013. Income from continuing operations attributable to the company for full-year 2014 excluding special items was $317 million or $1.85 per share compared to $185 million or $1.03 per share for full-year 2013.

MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) is a global packaging company providing innovative solutions to the world’s most admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, tobacco, and agricultural industries.