Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, PA, reported fiscal 2009 fourth quarter sales of $386 million, down 47% over the prior year same period. The company posted a loss of $33 million for the quarter, compared to profit of $59.6 million a year ago. Organic sales fell 43%.

For fiscal year 2009, sales were $2.0 billion, down 23% from fiscal year 2008. The fiscal year net loss was $119.7 million, compared to profit of $167.8 million the prior year. Organic sales fell 21%.

“Fiscal 2009 was the most challenging year in our company’s 70-year history," said Carlos Cardoso, president and CEO. The company continued to implement certain restructuring plans to reduce costs and improve efficiencies during the quarter. On June 30, Kennametal completed the sale of its high speed steel drills, related product …