Astral earnings up 7% in quarter as it awaits decision on Bell takeover

MONTRÉAL - Astral Media which is supporting a $3.38-billion takeover proposal from BCE Inc. reported that its first-quarter profit was $59.6 million, up from $55.8 million for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share increased by 5% to $1.05 from $1.00 last year. EBITDA grew 4% to $93.7 million from $90.4 million last year, while consolidated revenues totalled $274.5 million, an increase of 1% over the $271.1 million recorded last year. Cash flow from operations at $69.2 million is slightly above last year’s figure of $69.0 million. "I am very pleased with our company’s consolidated and segmented performance...