F.W. Woolworth, the nation’s eighth-largest retailer, said...

F.W. Woolworth, the nation’s eighth-largest retailer, said its first-quarter profits rose 50% from a year earlier. Sales were up only slightly, due in part to the strong dollar abroad, Woolworth said. Gross margins improved slightly in the first quarter while selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales remained unchanged. Interest expense declined to $17 million from $19 million, the retailer said.

Tosco, an independent oil refiner and wholesaler, reported a net loss for the first quarter of $25.1 million. That is a decrease of 13.1% in its year-earlier deficit. Tosco has been hurt by the declining price of crude oil, which has squeezed its profit margins. However, the company noted that its profit margin has widened in the past 60 days and said it expects a sharp improvement in operating profits during the second quarter.

For detailed data and results of other companies, please see accompanying tables.