Philip Morris Cos. said its earnings rose...

Philip Morris Cos. said its earnings rose 19.5% in the first quarter from operating results a year earlier even as its sales slipped 1.2%. The maker of Marlboro cigarettes, Miller beer, Post cereals and Jell-O desserts said worldwide tobacco and international food divisions performed well but that the weak U.S. economy limited domestic food results.

The company earned $1.1 billion, or $1.20 a share, in the three months ended March 31. A huge $921-million quarterly charge for post-retirement health benefits resulted in a loss of $1 billion, or 99 cents a share, in 1991.