Westar Energy Inc. said fourth-quarter profits rose 73 percent as declining expenses offset a revenue loss. The company also slightly increased its earnings guidance for the year.

The Topeka-based utility late Thursday reported earning $12.8 million, or 15 cents per share, during the October-December period. Westar earned $7.4 million, or 8 cents per share, during the same period a year ago.

Revenue during the quarter fell 13 percent from $394.1 million to $343.2 million. The company blamed the drop on rate refunds and a $20 million loss in energy marketing.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 11 cents per share on revenue of $381.8 million.

Operating expenses fell to $296.7 million from $363.9 million, partly from lower fuel and purchased-power expenses.

For the year, the company said it earned $164.3 million, or $1.88 per share, compared with $134.6 million, or $1.55 per share, during 2005.