Top 40 supplier Ennis (asi/52493) has reported total sales of $94.9 million for its fiscal second quarter, ended August 31, a 4.1% year-over-year rise. Gross profit margin for continuing operations was $30.8 million for the quarter, or 32.4%, up from $27 million, or 29.6%, in Q2 of 2016. Net earnings were $8.5 million, or $0.34 per diluted share. The company generated EBITDA of $17.3 million in the second quarter, vs. $14.2 million in Q2 of last year.

Ennis sold Alstyle Apparel (asi/34817) to Gildan Activewear (asi/56842) in May 2016, and acquired Independent Printing Company in January of this year. Ennis’ print division now accounts for its continuing operations, the company said, since the results of its discontinued apparel operations remain unchanged.

Meanwhile, Ennis’ revenues for the six months ending August 31 were $189.5 million, an increase of 4.3% compared to $181.7 million for the same period in 2016. Gross profit margin was $60.7 million (32%) and net earnings were $16.3 million for the two quarters, or $0.64 per diluted share, vs. $13.5 million, or $0.52, last year.

“We continue to be pleased with our operational performance during the year,” said Ennis CEO Keith Walters. “Our recent acquisition continues to perform nicely with operating results improving as integration continues to progress.”

Walters added that changes to the company’s health program have slowed increasing claims costs, while Ennis has moved past the expenses associated with the Independent Printing acquisition. “While we feel the environment overall will remain challenging, we are positive about the remainder of this fiscal year,” Walters said. “We continue to further strengthen one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry and our cash position remains significant.”

Ennis reported $235 million in North American promotional products sales for fiscal year 2016, making it the seventh-largest supplier in the industry.