Cineplex posts profit on success of The Hunger Games

Cineplex Inc. (CGX-T) reported a profit in the first-quarter as blockbuster movies such as 'The Hunger Games' helped raise attendance at its theaters, and the motion picture exhibitor raised its annual dividend by 5 percent.

The company saw a net income of $15.1 million in the quarter, compared with a loss of $848,000 in the year-ago period.

Total revenue at the company, which competes with Empire Co Ltd (EMP.A-T), rose 12 percent to $248.2 million.

Cineplex's box-office revenue rose 15 percent to $149.4 million in the quarter, mainly helped by the success The Hunger Games, which had the highest-grossing first-quarter weekend of all time.

The company raised its annual dividend to $1.35 per share from $1.29 per share in the second increase since it converted to a corporation in January 2011.