Assante Corp. on Thursday reported improved profit for the first quarter ended March 31.

Net earnings grew to $10 million 12¢ per share during the first quarter, almost double the net earnings of $5.3 million or 6¢ per share during the same period a year ago.

The company said the increase came from continued strong net sales in Canada, the sale of a portion of the football practice at Steinberg Moorad & Dunn, Inc. to Leigh Steinberg, and a gain on financing activities during the quarter.

Revenues increased 6% to $104.7 million during the quarter, compared to $98.7 million for the same period last year.

Although sales performance was strong, particularly in Canada, the company said it continued to feel the effects of market and currency fluctuations. Assets under management decreased from $7.6 billion to $7.4 billion during the quarter. Assets under administration (AUA) decreased from $20.3 billion to $19 billion.

“These are positive results in a difficult market,” said Assante Corp. president and CEO Martin Weinberg.