Systemax Inc. of Port Washington, seen in an undated photo,...

Systemax Inc. of Port Washington, seen in an undated photo, reported Thursday, May 4, 2017, that first quarter earnings that were stronger than expected. Credit: Newsday

Shares of Systemax Inc. surged 20.6 percent to $15.61 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange Friday after the marketer of industrial and computer supplies posted first quarter earnings that were stronger than expected.

After the market close Thursday, the Port Washington company reported net income per share of 28 cents from continuing operations. That compared to a consensus estimate of 6 cents a share, according to Bloomberg News.

Systemax has largely completed its program to shed underperforming businesses and reconfigure the company, chief executive Larry Reinhold said in a statement Thursday.

In 2012, Systemax discontinued its retail brands, CompUSA and Circuit City, and exited the personal computer manufacturing business. The company sold its TigerDirect brand and other assets to El Segundo, California-based PCM Inc. for $14 million in 2015.

Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

Too many rainy weekends? ... LI Works: Making Countertops ... LEGO at Old Westbury Gardens ... Previewing the Knicks in the NBA Finals ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

Too many rainy weekends? ... LI Works: Making Countertops ... LEGO at Old Westbury Gardens ... Previewing the Knicks in the NBA Finals ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

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