Transcontinental’s profitability was up substantially in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 2009 for the third quarter in a row. Though revenue was down 11% from last year, due to the negative impact of the exchange rate, the divestiture or closure of plants and publications, and paper prices, according to a company press release.

Transcontinental posted revenues of $559 million, for the three months ending January 31, 2010, a decrease from the $625 million for the same period in 2009. Operating costs were down to $417 million for the first quarter of 2010 from $493 million last year.

The company produces consumer and trade magazines including Canadian Gardening, The Hockey News and Vancouver Magazine.