Stamps.com Inc. jumped in late trading Wednesday after reporting much higher profit than expected in its fourth quarter and projecting higher profit in the current year as well. The online-postage company reported net income of $40.2 million, or $2.15 a share, in the fourth quarter on sales of $132.5 million, up from $105.9 million a year ago. After adjusting for stock-based compensation and other effects, the company claimed earnings of $4.68 a share, up more than 70% from $2.73 a year before. Analysts on average were expecting adjusted earnings of $2.78 a share on sales of $119.5 million, according to FactSet. The company’s forecast for the current year projects more profit gains: The company said it expects earnings of $7.09 to $8.04 a share on sales of $530 million to $560 million for the full year, with adjustments sending profit to $8.80 to $9.80 a share. Analysts on average were expecting adjusted profits of $8.53 a share on sales of $532 million for the current fiscal year. Shares shot up more than 15% in late trading after closing at $184.95.
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