• by Wayne Friedman , May 8, 2014

In the midst of a major deal and talks among pay TV providers, Dish Network’s revenue grew slightly more than analysts expected, and the company gained 40,000 subscribers in the first quarter.

Dish posted a 6.5% hike to $3.59 billion versus $3.38 billion in the first quarter of 2013, with net income dipping 18% to $176 million from $216 million. Analysts were expecting Dish to get to $3.58 billion.

Dish's net subscriber gain in the period of 40,000 improved upon the 36,000 it gained in the first quarter of 2013. Dish now totals 14.1 million subscribers, with its customers' average monthly bill gaining 5% to $82.36.

Dish also added 53,000 broadband subscribers, to reach a total of 489,000.

Dish stock has fluctuated a bit over the last several months, possibly as a result of major changes/talks in the pay TV service business -- from $57.50 at the end of February to a high of $65.00 in early April and then down to $55.00 at the end of April.

Dish stock has been affected by a $45 billion announced merger between Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable, as well as reports that AT&T has recently been in talks to potentially acquire Dish competitor DirecTV.

Dish has also been linked to talks regarding a possible merger with DirecTV.