PORTLAND, Oregon_Athletic footwear and apparel maker Nike Inc. said Thursday that fiscal third-quarter profit grew 8 percent, helped by higher sales in Europe and favorable currency exchange.

Net income for the quarter ended Feb. 28 totaled $350.8 million (€262.75 million), or $1.37 (€1.03) per share, versus $325.8 million (€244.03 million), or $1.24 (€.93) per share, during the same period last year.

Revenue grew 9 percent to $3.93 billion (€2.94 billion), up from $3.61 billion (€2.7 billion) a year ago. Currency exchange rate changes helped revenue by 3 percent.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected net income of $1.33 (€1) per share on revenue of $3.93 billion (€2.94 billion).

Nike President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parker said in a statement the company continues to grow because it is "innovative, disciplined, and connected to our consumers."

Parker said a "mix of compelling product and premium consumer experiences" drove orders, which total $6 billion (€4.49 billion), including a 1 percent gain from currency exchange _ 9 percent higher than orders for the same period last year.

The company saw revenue growth around the globe.

U.S. revenue grew 2 percent to $1.5 billion (€1.12 billion), European revenue rose 15 percent to $1.1 billion (€0.82 billion), Asia Pacific revenue increased 11 percent to $589.9 million (€441.84 million), and sales from the Americas improved by 5 percent to $212.5 million (€159.16 million).

Nike shares gained $1.55 (€1.16), or 1.4 percent, to $110.15 (€82.50), in after-hours trading after closing down 25 cents to $108.60 (€81.34) on the New York Stock Exchange.

This is Nike's first earnings report since it outlined an ambitious five-year growth plan to reach $23 billion (€17.23 billion) in sales by 2011 and increase its retail presence