Superior Industries International Inc.’s fourth quarter profit jumped 80 percent as the aluminum wheel maker enjoyed a big income tax benefit.

The Van Nuys company on Monday reported net income of $40.2 million ($1.48 cents a share), compared with $22.3 million (82 cents) a year earlier. The company said it received an income tax benefit of $28.2 million.

Sales rose 14 percent to nearly $217 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters on average expected $205 million.

Gross margins fell to 8 percent from 15 percent a year ago, partly due to a weaker product mix. The company, which makes wheels for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, entered contracts during the recession in which it agreed to sell parts to Detroit at bargain prices.

“Relatively healthy general market activity and vehicle production rates tend to mask the challenges posed by ongoing changes in our product mix,” said Chief Executive Steven J. Borick in a statement. “We believe we have great opportunities to improve our operating performance. Although tangible results of our efforts likely will not be visible in the shorter term, we are committed to implementing improvements that we are confident will contribute to the longer-term health of the business.”

Shares were up $1.14, or 6.4 percent, to $18.95 on the New York Stock Exchange.