Harlequin Posts Gains

Harlequin turned in a solid first quarter, with sales up 4.4%, to C$ 149.9 million ($105 million), and operating income increasing 7.2%, to C$29.9 million. The strongest performing segment was women's fiction, whose 6% sales gain was due to the strength of its North American single-title program, which posted a strong gain in unit sales. The direct marketing division had a mixed period. Operating income was flat, as lower unit volume and increased promotional costs were offset by higher revenue generated by price increases.

Profits in Harlequin's overseas markets fell, due mainly to lower earnings in the U.K., Japan and the Spanish market.