Consumer confidence rises to 9-month high

WASHINGTON » U.S. consumer confidence surged in April, approaching the highest level since the recession began in 2007 as Americans reported greater optimism about their financial situation and the economy.

The University of Michigan says its index of consumer sentiment rose to 84.1 in April from 80 in March.

Americans have cut back on debt and benefited from steady hiring and rising stock and home prices. Just 28 percent said this month that their finances were getting worse, down from 37 percent in March and the lowest level since April 2007.

Americans were also slightly more optimistic about future hiring, the survey found, though the gains were slight.

North America weakness hurts Ford’s net

DEARBORN, Mich. » Ford Motor Co.’s worldwide sales rose in the first quarter, propelled by growing strength in Asia and Europe. But weakness in North America dragged down the company’s profit.

Its earnings missed Wall Street’s expectations, while revenue beat them.

Ford said net income fell 39 percent to $989 million, or 24 cents a share, from $1.64 billion, or 41 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue rose slightly to $35.9 billion from $35.6 billion.

Burger King’s profit rises on cost cuts

NEW YORK » Burger King reported a higher first-quarter profit Friday as new restaurant openings overseas and lower costs offset weak sales in the U.S. The Miami-based chain Friday said sales at established U.S. locations edged up just 0.1 percent, dampened by bad weather.

McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Dunkin’ Donuts also reported underwhelming domestic sales for the first three months of the year, citing the severe weather. Chi­potle and Starbucks, which charge higher prices, saw healthy sales gains under the same conditions.

For the quarter, Burger King earned $60.4 million, or 17 cents a share. Not including one-time items, it earned 20 cents a share, a penny more than Wall Street expected.

Revenue declined to $240.9 million as the company re-franchised restaurants, falling short of the $241.3 million analysts expected.

ON THE MOVE

Hawaiian Airlines has promoted Alisa Onishi to director of brand management from manager of promotions. She will be responsible for overseeing Hawaiian Airlines’ global brand strategy and visual identity. Onishi has nearly 10 years of combined experience in the areas of brand management, promotions and marketing, including serving as a marketing communications manager of brand and customer experience at Hawaiian Telcom as well as marketing manager at Coral Wireless (dba as Mobi PCS).

Hawaiian Host has promoted Pia Angelica Kaina to assistant quality assurance manager from quality assurance supervisor. Her responsibilities will include implementing, developing and managing quality assurance programs and activities to ensure compliance with company food safety standards, policies, industry best practices and government regulations.

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HONOLULU HARBOR

RADIO RATINGS

KSSK ranked No. 1 in the winter 2014 ratings released Thursday by Nielsen Audio (formerly Arbitron). It was the 55th consecutive quarterly rating period in which KSSK ranked No. 1, according to station officials. KSSK’s share of the listening audience was 11.4 percent between the survey dates of Jan. 2 and March 26. For its morning show, KSSK had an audience share of 18.2 percent. The rankings and share reflect listeners 12 and older. Honolulu is the nation’s 63rd-largest radio market.

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OAHU’S TOP MORNING RADIO SHOWS

Source: Nielsen Audio