Armstrong World Industries today reported a small drop in net profits for the fourth quarter but a sizable increase for the year.

For the quarter, net profits slid 1.2 percent to $8.4 million (14 cents a share) from $8.5 million (14 cents a share) in the 2011 quarter.

Sales dipped 1.6 percent to $612.8 million.

Hurting the quarter's profits were sharply higher income taxes and interest expense, and a $900,000 net loss on the sale of the company's cabinet business.

For the year, though, net profits rose to $131.3 million ($2.19 a share), up 16.8 percent from $112.4 million ($1.90 a share) in 2011.

Sales declined 3.9 percent to $2.62 billion.

Lifting the year's profits were significant reductions in selling, general and administrative expense and in net restructuring charges.

Lancaster-based Armstrong makes floors and ceilings.
tmekeel@lnpnews.com