Design software maker Adobe Systems Inc reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that exceeded Wall Street projections and forecast that second-quarter revenue would beat analysts' expectations as it launches new products.

The company's shares climbed 4.3 percent.

Adobe -- whose software include Photoshop, Flash and Illustrator -- posted first-quarter per share profit, excluding items, for the period ended March 5 of 40 cents, beating the average analyst forecast of 37 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The market trends enabling our diverse business remain strong, Chief Executive Shantanu Narayen said in a statement.

Revenue rose 9 percent to $858.7 million, beating the average analyst forecast of $827.4 million for the software maker whose rivals include Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc .

The company said it expects its pending launches of new versions of its Creative Suite line of design software and flash programing language to boost sales and profits.

Adobe forecast that it will post second-quarter per-share profit of 39 to 44 cents, excluding items, versus the average analyst forecast of 41 cents. It also projected quarterly revenue of $875 million to $925 million, beating the average forecast of $860.5 million.

Shares of the San Jose, California-based company rose 4.3 percent to $36.74 in extended trade. The shares closed up 8 cents at $35.22 on Nasdaq.

(Reporting by Jim Finkle; editing by Carol Bishopric)

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