Tiffany Earnings Rise 9%

First-quarter earnings at Tiffany(TIF Quote) rose a better-than-expected 9% from a year ago, buoyed by the success of its domestic jewelry operations.

The company said its full-year guidance remains intact, as long as sales don't further deteriorate in perennial soft-spot Japan.

Tiffany earned $40.1 million, or 27 cents a share, in the quarter, compared with $36.8 million, or 25 cents a share, a year ago. Sales rose 12% from a year ago to $509.9 million, reflecting a 14% jump in U.S. retail sales to $243.4 million and a 3% rise in international retail sales to $190.3 million. ...