MWV personal care remains strong, despite a tough quarter for the group
Overall group net sales rose by approximately 4 percent, up from $1.28bn to $1.32bn, an increase of 6 percent in constant currency – reflecting a strengthening of the US dollar against global exchange rates.
The sales performance during the quarter was largely buoyed by its specialty chemical division, with the other three largest division all reporting a decline in sales.
Income from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2012 was $17m, a figure that compared favorably to the corresponding period in 2011, when the company reported a loss of $7m.
Volume for beauty packaging still rose
Sales for the full-year 2012 were $5.46bn compared to $5.34bn in full-year 2011, whereas income from continuing operations in full-year 2012 was $212m.
Sales for the company’s home, health and beauty segment during Q4 were slightly down, from $181m in the corresponding period last year, to $180m this year.
The company, which is a significant force in the cosmetics and personal care segment, said that the division had seen volume growth for its personal care operations, but added that the overall results were let down by lower pricing and unfavorable foreign currency exchange.
“In personal care, volume growth was led by gains in airless dispensing solutions for major skin care and anti-aging brand owners, along with volume growth in fragrance sprayers,” the company said in its financial statement.
Company remains positive about 2013 outlook
The division was also boosted by the performance of its healthcare packaging business activities, but this was result was dragged down by a less dynamic result in the homecare area.
Looking ahead to the rest of the financial year 2013, the company said that it expects to see stronger demand, especially in contrast to the decline it had seen in a number of its business activities during the fourth quarter of 2012.
“The company expects sales, earnings and cash flow to grow in 2013 due to continued execution of the company’s profitable growth strategies," the financial statement said.
