Staples Inc.

Staples Inc., the world’s largest office supplies retailer, said its fiscal first-quarter profit rose 27% on greater demand for the company’s branded products and increased sales to businesses. Profit this year will be at the high end of its forecast, Staples said.

The company’s net income climbed to $159.4 million, or 21 cents a share, 1 cent more than analysts expected and up from $125.7 million, or 17 cents, a year earlier. Sales in the three months ended April 30 rose 13% to $3.9 billion, Framingham, Mass.-based Staples said.

Sales of Staples-branded products, which are more profitable than national brands, boosted earnings. Profit at the North American delivery unit that serves business customers rose 35%, the biggest gain in more than two years. Sales at North American stores open at least a year increased 4%.