Travel Sales Boost InterActiveCorp

InterActiveCorp, the Internet commerce company controlled by Barry Diller, reported a first-quarter profit of $41.5 million, or 5 cents a share, helped by growth at its Expedia and Hotels.com travel sites. Marketing costs jumped.

The results contrasted with a loss of $106.8 million, or 23 cents, a year earlier, when the company wrote down the value of its stake in Vivendi Universal’s entertainment unit. Per-share earnings reflect the payment of preferred dividends. Sales rose 6.1% to $1.47 billion, the New York-based company said.

InterActiveCorp shares slipped $1.19 to $31.06 on Nasdaq.

From Bloomberg News

* DaVita Inc., an El Segundo-based operator of kidney dialysis centers, said first-quarter profit rose 45% to $52.9 million, or 77 cents a share, from $36.4 million, or 52 cents, a year earlier. The results beat estimates. Revenue rose 16% to $535.4 million. The company also raised its 2004 operating income guidance.

* Fullerton-based laboratory equipment maker Beckman Coulter Inc. reported a sharp drop in first-quarter earnings, despite unseasonably strong sales. First-quarter net income was $35.6 million, or 54 cents a share, down from $44.6 million, or 70 cents, a year before. The results still beat estimates. Revenue rose 15% to $536.8 million.