Jan 26, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. MeadWestvaco Corporation (MWV) announced stronger 4Q earnings from continuing operations of $68 million and record full-year earnings from continuing operations of $262 million. Profit growth in the company’s Packaging and Specialty Chemicals businesses continued to drive MWV’s improved performance. Combined profits of the company’s Packaging businesses were up 54% in the 4Q and up 38% for the full year, reflecting strong performance in global end-markets for retail food and liquid packaging, personal care dispensing solutions, home and garden trigger sprayers, and corrugated packaging serving the produce, meat and personal care markets in Brazil. “We have transformed MWV into a company that is generating significantly higher returns on a consistent basis, and we’ve seen that reflected in our operating performance over the course of 2010,” said John A. Luke, Jr., chairman and CEO. “Our record 2010 earnings are the direct result of the success we’ve had implementing focused strategies to increase profits in each of our targeted end-markets. With the transformative changes to our business model taking hold and giving us positive momentum to start 2011, we are focused on achieving the next level of performance by continuing to capitalize on the commercial and operating strengths we have built.” Net income from continuing operations in the 4Q 2010 was $68 million, compared to $53 million in the 4Q 2009. Sales in the 4Q 2010 increased 3% to $1.50 billion. Net income from continuing operations in 2010 was $262 million, compared to $240 million in 2009. Sales in 2010 increased 5% to $5.69 billion. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations in the 4Q 2010 excluding the effects of special items were $71 million, compared to $35 million in the 4Q 2009. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations in 2010 excluding the effects of special items were $267 million, compared to $139 million in 2009. The company expects to extend its record of year-over-year margin and earnings improvement in the 1Q 2011. Positive factors for the 1Q 2011 include stable to strengthening demand trends in targeted markets along with continued momentum with commercial strategies focused on business mix improvement and further penetration of faster growing emerging markets. The company also expects continued gains in productivity. Negative factors for the first quarter include higher costs for freight and the rising price for oil, and the impact on both input costs and potential demand in a still fragile global economy. Further, the company is continuing to monitor ongoing macro-economic developments, particularly in North America and Europe, and is prepared to respond to additional challenges. MeadWestvaco Corporation provides packaging solutions to many of the world's most admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, home and garden, tobacco, and commercial print industries.