The Columbia, Md.-based company said it earned $18.3 million in the quarter ended Oct. 31, up from $102,000 in the year-ago period. On a per-share basis, the company recorded 55 cents per share in profit versus break-even results in the year-ago period.

Its fourth quarter 2007 earnings include a $10.8 million benefit on the reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Excluding this tax benefit, restructuring charges and other one-time items, the company earned $7.5 million, or 23 cents per share, compared with $3.1 million, or 10 cents per share, in the same quarter last year.

Revenue rose 23.8 percent to $79 million from $63.8 million in the same quarter last year.

Analysts, on average, expected earnings of 20 cents per share on revenue of $78.4 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. Analyst estimates typically exclude one-time items.

For fiscal 2007, Martek earned $32 million or 98 cents per share, compared with $14.9 million, or 46 cents per share, in fiscal 2006.

Excluding special items, the company earned $21.7 million, or 67 cents a share, up from $17.9 million, or 55 cents per share.

Analysts, on average, expected full-year earnings of 63 cents per share on revenue of $303.2 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial.

Selling, administration and general expenses increased 20.6 percent in fiscal 2007 to $50.2 million from $41.6 million on additional resources invested in the company's sales and marketing.

Martek chief executive Steve Dubin said the company increased international sales of infant formula oils and its DHA baby food supplement.

The company's shares rose $3.41, or 14 percent, to $27.70 in aftermarket activity. Earlier, the stock fell $1.42, or 5.5 percent, to $24.29. The stock has ranged from $19.64 to $31 over the past year.