Sauer-Danfoss — one of Ames’ top five employers, according to the Ames Economic Development Commission — released its quarterly earnings report last week, showing a 48 percent decline in net sales, to $253.1 million, which compares to net sales of $490.2 million in the third quarter of 2008.

The company has recently gone through a series of layoffs, including the loss of 145 jobs in Ames in June. Company officials say brighter days may lie ahead.

“The decline in third quarter sales, which, seasonally, is our lowest quarter, was in line with our expectations,” said Sven Ruder, president and CEO, in a statement released by the company. “Every market and region we serve was impacted, but we believe that we have hit the bottom, and we see a small step up in demand from our customers.”