Baxter boosts domestic, international sales.

Baxter International Inc. achieved higher-than-expected sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2007, according to officials with the company. Net income for the Deerfield, IL-based device manufacturer was up 43% to $403 million, compared to $282 million reported a year ago.

The company said strong sales, improved margins and lower interest expense drove financial performance.

Baxter's worldwide sales totaled $2.7 billion in the first quarter, representing an 11% increase. Breaking it down, domestic sales increased 8% to $1.1 billion, while international sales were slightly higher at $1.5 billion, a 14% increase.

Medication delivery revenues increased 8% to $990 million as a result of strong international performance and sales of anesthesia products, the company said.

"This performance continues to reflect the value inherent in optimizing our current business portfolio and allowed us to continue to accelerate our investment in research and development, which grew 15% in the quarter," said Robert L Parkinson, Jr., chairman and CEO.