HARRISON TWP., Montgomery County — Charges and operating losses related to one of Rex American Resources Corp.’s ethanol investments caused the company to post losses in its fourth quarter, executives said Tuesday.

The company, citing operating challenges at its Levelland Hockley County Ethanol facility, sold part of its interest in the operation. The sale reduced Rex’s ownership stake in LHCE to 49 percent from 56 percent, executives said.

Rex shouldered a one-time, pre-tax charge related to the transaction.

The company reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $4.6 million, or 49 cents per share, compared with earnings of $7.2 million, or 93 cents per share, during the year-ago quarter.

Higher ethanol prices pushed revenue to $93.9 million, compared with $77.1 million a year ago, a 22 percent increase.

For the year, Rex reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of $5.1 million, or 53 cents per share, compared with a net profit attributable to shareholders of $8.7 million, or 93 cents per share, during the previous fiscal year.

Revenue increased to $301.7 million in fiscal 2010, versus $170.1 million in the prior fiscal year.

Shares of Rex (NYSE: REX) were trading Tuesday morning at $15.24, up 70 cents, or 4.8 percent, from the previous close.