Special Devices Inc. Reports Earnings Surge

Special Devices Inc., a Newhall maker of pyrotechnic devices for the aerospace and automotive industries, reported a 49% surge in its fiscal fourth-quarter profit on a 45% climb in revenue, compared with a year earlier.

In the quarter ended Oct. 31, the company posted a profit of $662,000 on revenue of $12.9 million. That compares with earnings of $443,000 on sales of $8.9 million a year earlier.

The company attributed the stronger results to increased demand for its devices that trigger automotive air bags, which has been outpacing orders for the company’s similar devices that ignite missiles.

But for its full fiscal year ended Oct. 31, Special Devices said profits declined 7% to $1.3 million, from $1.4 million in the previous fiscal year.

Revenue for the 12 months totaled $37.4 million, up 24% from $30.1 million a year earlier.