J2 Global Communications Inc. reported increases in first quarter profit and revenues thanks to a boost in subscribers.

J2 posted net income for the quarter ending March 31 of $16.8 million (35 cents per share) up 2.4 percent form $16.4 million (32 cents) in the same period a year earlier. The previous year’s results benefited from $2 million in licensing fees not present in the current quarter, J2 said.

Revenues for the Los Angeles-based messaging and communications services provider increased 8 percent to $58.6 million. Subscriber revenues increased 14 percent to $57.2 million for the quarter, the company said in a statement.

J2 also reaffirmed its 2008 guidance of between $240 million and $270 million in sales as well as its profit outlook of between $1.45 and $1.65 per share.

Shares in J2 were up 2 percent to $21.48 on Wednesday.