NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of Knoll Inc. (KNL.N: Quote, Profile, Research) jumped on Thursday, a day after the office furniture maker reported higher-than-expected first-quarter earnings despite a challenging economic climate that has forced job and cost cuts across the industry.

In a note to clients, Raymond James affirmed its "outperform" rating on Knoll, noting that the company's performance should reassure investors worried about the broader economy.

Knoll had reported first-quarter earnings of 36 cents per share. Analysts had expected 33 cents, according to Reuters Estimates.

Knoll's shares were up $1.14 or 9.7 percent at $12.87 during morning trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Helen Chernikoff)