Sauer-Danfoss Inc., a manufacturer of hydraulic, electric and electronic systems and components, reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2006 despite double-digit sales growth and record 2006 earnings.

The international company, which has a major U.S. plant in Ames, reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of $2.1 million, or 4 cents per share, compared with a net income of $4.1 million, or 8 cents per share, in the final quarter of 2005. The company has attributed the loss to an increase in plant restructuring costs and currency losses as a result of the rising value of European currencies. However, net sales for the fourth quarter increased 17 percent to $403.4 million, compared to sales of $345.1 million for the same period last year, boosted by double-digit sales growth in European and Asia-Pacific markets.

Sales in the U.S. increased 4 percent. Net sales for all of 2006 were a record $1.7 billion, an increase of 12 percent over sales of $1.5 billion in 2005. Net income for 2006 also set a record of $53.7 million, or $1.11 per share, compared with $38.7 million, or 81 cents per share, in 2005.