H&R Block Inc. on Thursday said it narrowed its first-quarter loss through a combination of higher mortgage loan originations and better performance in its business accounting and investment service sectors.

The nation’s largest tax preparer said it lost $28.3 million, or 9 cents per share, during the quarter ending July 31. The company lost $36.7 million, or 11 cents per share, during the same period a year ago.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had predicted a loss of 7 cents per share.

The Kansas City,Mo.-based company said the biggest surge this quarter came from its mortgage business, which saw revenues increase 32.5 percent to $360.4 million and earnings increase 23 percent to $134.5 million.

Shares of H&R Block closed up 48 cents at $27.43 on the New York Stock Exchange, before the earnings release. Shares were up 4 cents at $27.47 in after-hours trading.