CHICAGO — Higher price realization contributed to stronger earnings at Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

Net income in the quarter ended June 30 totaled $11,556,000, equal to 18c per share on the common stock, up 10% from $10,489,000, or 16c per share, in the same period a year ago. Net sales increased narrowly to $106,021,000 from $105,623,000.

In the first six months of fiscal 2019, net income was $20,511,000, or 31c per share, up 10% from $18,614,000, or 28c per share, in the same period a year ago. Net sales totaled $207,040,000, up from $206,482,000.

“Second-quarter and first-half 2019 net sales include increases in domestic sales of approximately 2% and 1%, respectively,” said Ellen R. Gordon, chairman of Tootsie Roll Industries. “Lower foreign sales adversely affected reported consolidated sales in both second quarter and first half 2019 compared to the corresponding periods in 2018.

“Foreign sales were unfavorably impacted by the timing of certain sales in the comparative periods as well as a stronger U.S. dollar and the related translation of foreign sales.

“Second-quarter and first-half 2019 net earnings benefited from higher price realization, which allowed the company to recover some product margin decline resulting from increasing input costs. Less favorable foreign exchange adversely affected results in both second quarter and first half 2019 compared to the prior year corresponding periods, however, decreases in legal and professional fees contributed to the improved results in second quarter and first half 2019.”

Ms. Gordon said the company continues to invest in plant manufacturing operations to meet new consumer and customer demands, achieve quality improvements and increase operational efficiencies.