Engineering Stantec Inc. posted an improved 14.5 per cent gain fourth-quarter on Thursday, despite posting a slip in revenue.

"But while being tested by one of the toughest economies in our 56-year history, we're pleased to report strong performance and solid results for the full year of 2009", CEO Bob Gomes quoted.

It registered its quarterly earnings to be $22.9 million, 50 cents a share, came on revenue of $342.8 million, compared with $20 million earnings, 44 cents a share, on $369.3 million revenue for the same period in fiscal 2008.

While, earnings revealed for the year, excluding one-time charges, were $91 million, $1.98 a share, on $1.52 billion revenue, contrasted with $82 million earnings, $1.98 a share, on $1.24 billion revenue.

Including a $35-million goodwill impairment charge, full-year net income was $55.9 million compared with $29 million in 2008, while earnings per share were $1.22 compared with 63 cents in 2008.

The company's recently undertook projects which are revealed to include an expansion to the Vancouver airport, an extension to Edmonton's light rail transit system and the design of the Whistler Sliding Centre.