Donaldson Q4 Profit Rises - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Donaldson Company Inc. (DCI) reported that its fourth-quarter net earnings increased to $72.61 million or $0.48 per share, from $70.98 million or $0.47 per share, prior year. Net earnings, excluding special items, was $73.46 million or $0.49 per share, for the quarter.

Bill Cook, Donaldson's CEO, said, ""Despite our lower overall sales, we delivered higher operating income with a record operating margin of 15.8 percent. Due to our strong operating margin performance, we delivered record net income and EPS in the fourth quarter."

On average, ten analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.45 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Net sales decreased to $632.59 million, from $656.83 million a year ago. Analysts expected revenue of $620.54 million for the quarter. Donaldson said overall sales decreased primarily due to Engine Products OEM businesses in the U.S. and Asia and the company's Industrial Products businesses.

Looking forward, Donaldson said it expects fiscal 2014 sales to be between $2.45 billion and $2.55 billion. The company expects fiscal 2014 earnings per share of between $1.65 and $1.85 per share. Analysts expect the company to report fiscal 2014 profit per share of $1.80 on revenue of $2.52 billion.