Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. this morning surpassed analysts' earnings expectations as the Bridgeville-based metal producer reported a 67 percent increase in sales.

The company said sales of $51.3 million, as compared to $30.8 million this time last year, signaled a recovery in market demand. Sales this quarter rose to the highest level in six quarters, according to the announcement.

Universal Stainless posted net income of $4.2 million, compared to a loss of $400,000 last year. The company reported earnings of 61 cents per share, compared to last year's loss of 6 cents a share.

On average, analysts expected the Bridgeville-based company to earn 27 cents per share this year.

President and CEO Dennis Oates said customers still remain cautious because of uncertainty in the general economic climate and the company expects sequential sales growth for the year to be modest.

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