Earnings roundup: BNP Paribas, NICE Systems

Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, May 14, from AP Financial News:

Top stories:

PARIS (AP) _ French bank BNP Paribas SA said Wednesday that first-quarter profits declined by 21 percent, but again reported less damage than some of its peers from the U.S. mortgage crisis.

Other stories:

NEW YORK (AP) _ Data recording company NICE Systems said Wednesday its first-quarter profit fell on higher costs.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) _ Europe's largest utility, E.ON AG, reported a 32 percent drop in first-quarter profits Wednesday, citing higher energy costs, interest charges and structural changes that skewed results.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Causal dining chain O'Charley's Inc. said Wednesday its first-quarter profit grew 34 percent, as lower operating costs and a big income-tax benefit offset a drop in sales.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Syneron Medical Ltd., an Israeli maker of laser and other devices for body shaping, said Monday that first-quarter profit declined slightly, while revenue was up, due to new products and marketing strategies.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Oil tanker owner and operator Double Hull Tankers Inc. said Wednesday its first-quarter earnings rose 6 percent, missing Wall Street expectations, as higher charter rates were partially offset by higher costs.