May 1 (Reuters) - Cenovus Energy ( CVE ) posted a rise

in first-quarter profit on Wednesday, as the Canadian oil and

gas firm benefited from higher production and throughput

volumes.

The Calgary, Alberta-based firm's reported net income rose

to C$1.2 billion ($871.46 million), or 62 Canadian cents per

share, from C$636 million, or 32 Canadian cents per share, a

year earlier.

($1 = 1.3770 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Kabir Dweit in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj

Kalluvila)