BUSINESS BRIEFING / EARNINGS

Verizon Communications Inc. said its earnings grew 5% in the first quarter, boosted by its acquisition of Alltel Corp. and strong demand for its wireless, Internet and TV services.

Verizon earned $3.21 billion, or 58 cents a share, compared with $3.05 billion, or 57 cents, a year earlier. Revenue rose almost 12% to $26.6 billion.