SureWest 4Q Loss Widens On Higher Costs

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (AP) — SureWest Communications on Thursday reported that its fourth-quarter loss widened from a year ago, as higher operating and interest costs outpaced growth in revenue that mainly came from an acquisition.

The Roseville, Calif.-based phone company, which also provides TV and high-speed Internet service, lost $2.1 million, or 15 cents per share, compared with $535,000, or 4 cents per share, in the same quarter of the prior year.

Revenue rose by 35 percent to $58.9 million, propelled by a doubling of its broadband business in TV and Internet to $37 million that reflects the February 2008 purchase of Everest Broadband Inc. Telecom revenue, however, fell by 16 percent. ...