BSkyB First-Half Net Profit Rises 8.4%

British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC BSYBY reported an 8.4% rise in its first-half net profit. BSkyB's net profit for the period rose to GBP441 million, from GBP407 million, in the year-ago period. Its revenue climbed 6% to GBP3.36 billion. BSkyB's first-half operating profit before exceptional items, surged 16% to GBP601 million versus GBP520 million. BSkyB shares closed at $42.04 yesterday.