BellSouth reported a solid first quarter Thurs. on the strength of stronger-than-expected wireline and continued wireless growth from Cingular. Analysts reported 損ositive signs?of steady business for the carrier as it prepares for its takeover by AT&T. BellSouth revenue grew 4.5% to $8.7 billion with 搉ormalized?EBITDA -- adjusted for one-time Katrina expenses in the quarter -- up $3.3 billion. BellSouth improved its operating margin sequentially and year-over-year, to 21.9%, for quarterly profit of $983 million. That抯 a 20% year-over-year increase, helped by lower-than-expected landline loss and strong DSL gains.
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