SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - Wireless technology giant Qualcomm Inc. Wednesday posted stronger-than-expected earnings, helped by demand in China and Japan.

Qualcomm reported a net profit of $241 million, or 30 cents a diluted share for its fiscal first-quarter ended Dec. 29,compared with income of $139.2 million or 17 cents a diluted share.

Excluding investments and amortization of goodwill, the company posted a profit of 42 cents compared with 23 cents a year ago, and Wall Street forecasts of 37 cents a share.

The company previously said it expected first quarter earnings of 35 cents to 38 cents. Revenue in the quarter was $1.1 billion compared with year-ago revenue of $699 million.

Qualcomm's stock rose 3.2 percent in after-hours trading, to $37.87, according to Island ECN.