American Ecology Earnings Up Sharply

American Ecology, an Agoura Hills-based waste management firm, reported 63% higher profits on a 14% increase in sales for its fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. The company reported net income for the quarter of $2.4 million, or 83 cents per share, on sales of $15.9 million.

The company attributed its improved results to increased business at its low-level radioactive waste dumps. For the year, American Ecology reported that net income was up 52% to $7.7 million, or $2.61 per share. Sales were up 27% to $57.8 million.

A Kentucky-based American Ecology subsidiary, U. S. Ecology, was designated last month by California to design and build the state’s first low-level radioactive waste dump.