Earnings roundup: GrafTech, National Retail Properties

Among the earnings stories for Thursday, May 1, from AP Financial News:

PARMA, Ohio (AP) -- Graphite electrode company GrafTech International Ltd. said Thursday its first-quarter profit more than doubled on lower restructuring charges and higher prices as well as increased industrial materials and engineered solutions revenue.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Real estate investment trust National Retail Properties Inc. said Thursday its first-quarter results climbed 25 percent on higher rental revenue, beating Wall Street's expectations.

MERIDIAN, Idaho (AP) -- Animal health products supplier MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. said Thursday its fiscal second-quarter profit grew 19 percent on a boost in sales, particularly from new customers.

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (AP) -- OSI Systems Inc., which provides electronics to the security and health care industries, said Thursday that fiscal third-quarter earnings surged 91 percent, boosted by revenue growth and a hefty tax benefit.

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Integrated natural gas company Equitable Resources Inc. said Thursday its first-quarter profit rose 20 percent on higher revenues from its production and midstream segments, but it missed analyst expectations and shares fell.

NEW YORK (AP) -- A weak housing market and rising costs helped drag Mueller Water Products Inc.'s fiscal second-quarter profit down about 68 percent, an analyst said Thursday.