Earnings roundup: Blount International, MPS Group

Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, April 30, from AP Financial News:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) _ Blount International Inc., which makes outdoor products and equipment, said Wednesday its first-quarter profit jumped 47 percent on lower interest expense and strong sales of outdoor products.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) _ MPS Group Inc., which provides specialty staffing services, said Wednesday its first-quarter profit rose 9 percent, driven by strong international and domestic revenue growth.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) _ Reynolds American Inc., the nation's second-largest tobacco company, posted a 54 percent increase in its first quarter profit Wednesday due to a one-time gain, but its adjusted figures were weaker than expected and it cut its full-year profit forecast. Its shares fell almost 6 percent in morning trading.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. (AP) _ Industrial laser maker Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. said Wednesday that its fiscal second-quarter profit declined as expenses and acquisition-related amortization costs overshadowed sales growth.

WARREN, Mich. (AP) _ Debt collector Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. said Wednesday first-quarter earnings fell 31 percent due to a decline in revenue and rising interest expenses.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (AP) _ UGI Corp. said Wednesday its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 5 percent as the propane company's domestic business and energy services segments offset weak international results.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Shares of Arris Group Inc. jumped Wednesday after the communications equipment company posted solid first-quarter results and a second-quarter forecast one analyst called reassuring.