ImClone Systems Inc. (IMCL) said on Tuesday its 1Q earnings slid by more than 50% vs. a year-ago period when the company received a one-time payment from partner Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

Net income slid to $28.8 million, or 33 cents a share, vs. $62.7 million, or 76 cents a share, a year earlier when Bristol-Myers made a payment to the company related to the regulatory approval of their cancer drug Erbitux.

ImClone reported revenue of $85.8 million in the quarter, down vs. $110.2 million in the comparable period in 2004.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP), a top banana and pineapple producer, announced Tuesday that 1Q earnings gained 23% year-over-year as strong revenue increase helped offset increases in operating costs.

Net income climbed to $57.9 million, or $1 per share, vs. $47 million, or 81 cents per share, a year earlier. Sales increased to $838.5 million from $713.8 million last year on contributions from the company's prepared foods business, continued expansion in the fresh-cut product line and an increase in worldwide banana pricing.

The company backed its 2005 earnings guidance at $2.30 to $2.40 per share, close to the Wall Street estimate of $2.41 per share.

Omnicom Group (OMC), the world's largest owner of advertising agencies, on Tuesday said its quarterly profit surged 11% as the company’s clients boosted ad spending. Omnicom, whose ad agencies include BBDO Worldwide and DDB Worldwide, said 1Q jumped to $150.5 million, or 82 cents per share, vs. $135.6 million, or 72 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue grew to $2.4 billion from $2.23 billion a year ago.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. (CME), parent of the largest U.S. futures exchange, on Tuesday said 1Q profit jumped on a rise in quarterly derivatives trading volumes.

CME posted 1Q net income of $71 million, or $2.04 per share, up vs. $46.1 million or $1.35 per share a year ago.

Analysts had expected earnings at an average of $1.93 per share. Record 1Q revenue of $214 million was in line with the average forecast of $214.45 million.

The CME's working capital climbed to $739 million as of March 31, up about $66 million for the quarter.

The Lisle, Illinois-based company Steelmaker Ipsco Inc. (IPS) on Tuesday reported its 1Q profit increased nearly five-fold as on strong demand and pricing for its products.

Ipsco said it earned $154 million, or $3.05 a share, vs. a profit of $31 million, or 57 cents a share, in the same period last year.

Ipsco had expected its 1Q earnings would meet or exceed $2.75 a share.