Increase in Demand Boosts Superior Industries Profit

Superior Industries International, citing increased demand for its aluminum wheels for cars and trucks, said its fourth-quarter earnings rose 29% from a year earlier on a 32% gain in sales.

Van Nuys-based Superior, which makes a variety of wheels and other accessories for the major U.S. auto makers, said net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 was $2.72 million, or 47 cents a share, up from $2.12 million, or 35 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales increased to $47.3 million from $35.7 million.

Superior’s profit for all of last year rose 11% to $9.48 million, or $1.61 a share, from $8.51 million, or $1.43 a share, in 1986. Annual sales were up 14% to $169.5 million from $148.6 million.