MSC Industrial Profit Up

MSC Industrial Direct(MSM Quote), a tools and industrial supplies distributor, said its second-quarter ended Feb. 25 earnings rose 21.6% from the year-ago period, on increased revenue and free cash flow.

The company earned $33.3 million, or 49 cents a share, in the quarter, compared with $27.4 million, or 39 cents a share, a year ago. Result includes one cent a share charge related to the departure of an executive and a 2-cent-a-share stock-option expense. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call were expecting earnings of $33.2 million, or 49 cents a share in the most recent quarter.

Second-quarter revenue rose 12.7% from a year ago to $305.9 million, while analysts were expecting revenue of $305 million. ...