Ply Gem Holdings Inc., a building products manufacturer, reported strong fourth quarter earnings Monday, beating analysts’ expectations.

The company’s net sales for the quarter increased 11.8 percent to $516.9 million, compared to analyst predictions of $497.1 million and sales $462.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2016.

The rise in sales was primarily due to improved market demand, higher Canadian net sales, new business success and higher average selling prices.

Earnings per share for the year were reported at $1.00 per share, compared to $1.11 for 2016.

The company’s gross profit margin was 21.3 percent, a decrease year-over-year due to higher freight and raw material costs for aluminum, PVC resin and glass.

“We believe the new Ply Gem will continue to provide our customers with exceptional value and service while generating long-term growth and value creation for the shareholders of the new combined company,” said Chief Executive Officer Gary E. Robinette in a statement.

In February, Ply Gem announced that it would be acquired by a New York private equity investment firm for $2.4 billion, or $21.64 per share. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter.

Ply Gem closed Monday afternoon at $21.60, up 0.12 percent in after-hours trading.