Feb 27 (Reuters) - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ( CM )

reported a rise in first-quarter profit on Thursday,

helped by strength in its capital markets unit.

The bank's adjusted net income rose to C$2.18 billion ($1.52

billion), or C$2.20 per share, in the three months ended January

31, from C$1.77 billion, or C$1.81 per share, a year earlier.

($1 = 1.4335 Canadian dollars)