	mead mea expects improved ings this year mead corp said the outlook for its major paper markets looks strong for the second quarter and augurs well for its ings in the generally strong outlook bodes well for significantly improved ings this year burnell roberts chairman and chief executive officer said earlier the company reported first quarter ings of mln dlrs or dlrs a share versus mln dlrs or cts a share in last year s first quarter in the company reported ings from continuing operations of mln dlrs or dlrs a share mead said its first quarter benefitted from stronger market conditions and improved operations the combination of capital improvement programs and more employee involvement has been paying off throughout our paper operations roberts said he added that mead s pulp and paperboard businesses are operating well as prices have improved and strong demand has placed most products in a sold out position through the middle of the year mead said sales of its unbleached coated paperboard was particularly strong up pct versus the first quarter reuter 
