Heinz Company (HNZ: chart) posted earnings for 1Q 2006, excluding special items, of 52 cents per share vs. 55 cents per share in the same period a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of 49 cents per share for the quarter. Sales for the first quarter totaled $2.110 billion vs. 2.003 billion prior in the year.

J. M. Smucker Company, jams, jellies and preserves producer, announced that its earnings per share from continuing operations for 1Q of 2006 were 51 cents, up vs. 50 cents the year-ago period with sales climbing some 23% in 1Q of fiscal 2006.The analyst estimate was for 63 cents per share.

LanVision Systems Inc. (LANV: chart) posted 2Q net income of 6 cents per share vs. a net loss of 5 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Revenues for the quarter were up 59% to $4.06 million from $2.56 million in the year-ago quarter.

Benihana Inc. (BNHNA: chart) posted 1Q net income of 44 cents per share vs. 20 cents per share in the year-ago period. Total revenues rose 13% to $74.1 million vs. $65.4 million last year.