Jean Coutu Group Inc (PJCa.TO) reported a higher quarterly profit on Thursday, beating analysts' estimates, as the Canadian pharmacy chain posted modest gains in both prescription and front-of-store sales. The company also set a quarterly dividend of 6 Canadian cents a share, up 9.1 percent from the previous quarter, and said it was looking for acquisitions. Quarterly revenue, which missed analysts' forecasts, was hurt by government measures to bring down the price of generic drugs in the province of Quebec, where Jean Coutu is based, the company said. Retail sales at stores open at least a year rose 1.4 percent in the quarter. Pharmacy sales gained 0.9 percent, and front-end sales -- food, drink and beauty items -- rose 1.5 percent.
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