NATION

NATION

FirstEnergy earnings rise

AKRON — FirstEnergy Corp. said Tuesday that its second-quarter earnings rose 11 percent, helped by increased margins as unusual weather conditions in the areas where the company’s utilities operate boosted sales of electricity.

The company earned $338 million, or $1.10 per share, for the quarter ended June 30 compared with profits of $304 million, or 91 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue rose to $3.1 billion in the quarter from $2.8 billion a year ago.

FirstEnergy reaffirmed that it expects to make $4.05 to $4.25 per share for the year, excluding one-time charges. Analysts are expecting profits of $4.18.

GM dividend at 25 cents

DETROIT — General Motors Corp. announced a third-quarter dividend of 25 cents a share on its common stock. The dividend is payable Sept. 10 to holders of record as of Aug. 17.

The dividend is unchanged from the previous quarter.

Apple updates iMacs

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. updated its iMac computers Tuesday with a slimmer design, faster chips and glossy screens. The all-in-one desktop computers now have aluminum casings, replacing the white plastic facade that has defined the computer lineup for years. With starting prices at $1,199 and $1,799, respectively, the computers are also $200 to $300 cheaper than their predecessors.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports