BellSouth Corp. said profit climbed 26% in...

BellSouth Corp. said profit climbed 26% in the first quarter, reflecting increased demand for telephone services, cost-cutting and the impact of one-time factors.

The Atlanta-based telecommunications giant said that in the three months ended March, 31 it earned $460.9 million, or 94 cents a share, up from a restated $366.9 million, or 76 cents a share, in the same period last year.