Stamford food-can maker Silgan Holdings Inc. more than doubled its fourth-quarter profit on strong sales.
For three months ended Dec. 31, Silgan netted $37.1 million, or 51 cents a share fully diluted, up from $16.4 million, or 22 cents a share, netted the same quarter a year ago.
Fourth-quarter sales were $835.9 million vs. $711.6 million last year.
For 2011, Silgan netted $193.2 million, or $2.75 a share fully diluted, up from 2010 net of $144.6 million, or $1.89 a share.
Full-year sales were $3.5 billion vs. $3.1 billion last year.
Silgan projects first-quarter net income per diluted share in the range of 42 cents to 47 cents. Â It earned 41 cents a share in the first quarter of 2011.
For the year, the company estimates adjusted net income will be in the range of $2.80 to $2.90 a share.
Contributing to the results will be the first full year of operation for the overseas Vogel & Noot food-can business Silgan bought for $335 million in last year’s first quarter.
