Package delivery giant UPS says growing strength in its overseas markets helped to boost its first-quarter profit report by more than 30 percent.

UPS says earnings for the first three months of this year hit $533 million. That represents a rise of 13 cents a share (to 53 cents per share), or 33 percent in profits, over the past year.

The Atlanta-based company says the results were better than expected--boosted by strong international business and an improving economic climate overseas.

UPS in recent months has been streamlining its operating model. Company officials say they project the revenue growth trend from the first-quarter to continue through the year.

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