May 6 - PTC Inc ( PTC ) on Wednesday raised its

full-year revenue forecast, citing continued demand from

manufacturers using its software to digitize their design and

production processes.

Shares of the Boston-based company rose nearly 4% in

extended trading.

PTC has benefited as manufacturing and industrial clients

continue to invest in digital transformation tools to improve

efficiency, reduce costs and speed up time-to-market.

* "Customer interest in AI is growing, and our discussions

reinforce how AI is driving momentum in PTC's business," CEO

Neil Barua said in a statement.

* PTC provides software that helps companies design,

manufacture, operate and service physical products. Its "digital

thread" strategy aims to create a seamless flow of information

from the initial design concept through to a product's

real-world operation and maintenance.

* PTC now expects annual revenue of $2.58 billion to $2.82

billion, up from its earlier forecast of $2.54 billion to $2.81

billion.

* It projects revenue in the range of $580 million to

$640 million for the third quarter, while analysts expect $623.2

million.

* The company posted revenue of $774 million for the second

quarter ended March 31, beating analysts' estimate of $715.4

million.

* Adjusted earnings came in at $2.69 per share, also ahead

of estimates of $2.11.