Westar declares profits of $43 million in the fourth quarter

Westar Energy has announced fourth quarter earnings of $43 million, or $0.33 per share, compared to $41 million, or $0.32 per share, in the last quarter of 2013.

For the year, Westar earned $313 million, or $2.40 per share, compared to $293 million, or $2.29 per share, in 2013.

Higher profit in 2014 was driven primarily by higher prices because of investments in air quality controls and transmission infrastructure and an increase in retail sales led by industrial customers, according to a company release.

The company said Wednesday that it issued a quarterly dividend of 36 cents per share, with a full year payout of $1.44 per share.

This story was originally published February 26, 2015 at 7:42 AM with the headline "Westar declares profits of $43 million in the fourth quarter."