(Telecompaper) TeliaSonera reported a small increase in third-quarter profits thanks to cost reductions and maintained its outlook for growth over the full year. While revenues were down 1.8 percent to SEK 25.38 billion in Q3, EBITDA increased 1.5 percent to SEK 9.42 billion. Excluding currency effects, acquisitions and disposals, sales were stable year-on-year and EBITDA rose 3.8 percent, as a 5.4 percent reduction in costs offset the weak economic climate and cuts to mobile termination rates. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 37.1 percent from 35.9 a year ago. Net profit rose 15.1 percent to SEK 4.64 billion, and free cash flow nearly doubled to SEK 7.31 billion, helped by dividends from the company's stake in Russian operator Megafon. The operator's new CEO, Johan Dennelind said he would work on strengthening the group's position in key markets, with an increased focus on innovation and continued cost efficiency. Following the scandal over the company's activities in Uzbekistan, which led to the downfall of the previous management, Dennelind said TeliaSonera was taking further measures to improve governance.