Merck & Co. said its income rose...

Merck & Co. said its income rose 35% to $271.4 million in its first quarter, compared to $201.3 million in the year-ago period. Sales rose 29% to $1.44 billion from $1.11 billion. “Income growth and improved earnings margins resulted from strong unit volume gains, a better product mix, the continuation of cost controls and productivity improvement, as well as the favorable effect of exchange,” the Rahway, N.J. firm said.