kelloggs sales were up 10 in the first quarter led by its snacks and noodles segments and the continued rebound of its north american cereal business however its profit slipped the maker of rice krispies cereal and cheezit crackers posted a profit of 298 million or 86 cents a share compared with 422 million or 123 a share in the same quarter a year ago stripping out onetime items adjusted earnings were 110 a share analysts surveyed by factset had been expecting 1 a share sales for the quarter rose to 405 billion from 367 billion last year above analyst projections for 396 billion according to factset kellogg said its operating profit fell 15 while earnings fell 30 due to a negative comparative swing in marktomarket impacts and higher upfront costs related to the pending separation of its north american cereal business which is set to happen in the fourth quarter drivers of its top line gains offset the impacts of higher prices on its volumes the suspension of shipments to russia and unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations