GASTONIA, N.C. – Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings Inc. has reported net sales of $336 million for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $338 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, a decrease of $2 million or 0.6 percent.

Filtration segment net sales were $235 million, which is a record for the fourth quarter, resulting in a 4.9 percent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2013.

Keith Wilson, president and CEO, commented, “During the fourth quarter of 2014, our global businesses continued to deliver strong operational and financial performance. In 2014, our Filtration segment achieved record sales and earnings, with improvement across all regions. Overall, 2014 was a year of significant growth as we continued to gain market share around the globe as a result of enhancing our product portfolio, investing in manufacturing capabilities and improving our distribution footprint. We remain committed to delivering superior quality and innovation, while focusing on continuously improving the service and value we provide to our customers.”

Steven Klueg, senior vice president and CFO, added that the company delivered strong free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2014, which allowed Affinia to further reduce debt levels while continuing to invest in the business.

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $31 million, a $9 million increase over the prior year. Operating profit in the Filtration segment was $33 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, a $5 million increase over the prior year, primarily due to improved gross profit in North America as a result of higher volumes of premium products, which carry better margins, and strategic cost savings initiatives.

Net income was $25 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to a net loss of $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2013. Higher net income was driven by improved sales and operating profit, lower interest expense as a result of debt repayments during 2014 and lower income tax expense due primarily to the reversal of an income tax reserve.

Full Year Results

Net sales were $1,396 million for full year 2014 compared with $1,361 million for the same period last year. The Filtration segment achieved record full year net sales of $967 million in 2014, a 7.2 percent increase over the prior year.

Net income was $82 million for full year 2014 compared to $10 million in the prior year.