LAYN beats by 12 cents on strength in mineral exploration

``Fourth-quarter earnings, which marked the 16th consecutive quarter of favorable year-over-year comparisons, exceeded our expectations, driven primarily by an impressive 72.5% increase in income by the mineral exploration division. Positive momentum has carried over into fiscal 2009, with all three operating business units having solid backlogs or commitments going into the year. Another plus: the Company's cash position exceeds its debt. Our diversity in earnings and markets has served us well for four years. Our committed goal remains to consistently do better than the prior year.'' -- Andrew B. Schmitt, President and Chief Executive Officer