Glatfelter reported fourth quarter 2014 adjusted earnings of $19.7 million compared with $15 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter 2014 net income totaled $19.6 million compared with $16.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Consolidated net sales totaled $436.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared with $434.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013.

While the quarter’s adjusted earnings were up 32% from the same period in 2013, Dante Parrini, Glatfelter’s chairman and chief executive officer, says the results fell short of the company’s expectations.

“In Composite Fibers, near-term macro-level challenges, including the fluid economic and political situation in Russia and Ukraine, weak economic growth in Europe as well as increased competitive pressures, impacted results for the business,” says Parrini. “Advanced Airlaid Materials delivered another solid quarter, and we continue to evaluate capacity expansion opportunities for this business.”

Parrini adds that this year the company expects to see “strong performance and growth opportunities in Advanced Airlaid Materials.”

On a year-over-year basis, Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales decreased $800,000 largely due to unfavorable foreign currency translation, which more than offsets the impact of higher selling prices. Fourth quarter 2014 operating income declined $2 million compared to the same quarter a year ago. Glatfelter says this was primarily due to recognizing a full year of energy related rebates in the fourth quarter of 2013 resulting in a $1.4 million reduction in operating profit in the comparison. In addition, the business incurred $500,000 of costs in the fourth quarter of 2014 associated with temporarily taking a line down to complete a project to increase production capacity.

For the full year, consolidated net sales were up 4.6% at $1.8 billion.