BskyB Posts 19% Rise In Net Profit

British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC

posted an increase in its profit and revenue for the nine months ended March 31. BskyB's net profit for the period climbed to GBP689 million, from GBP581 million, in the year-ago period. Its operating profit before exceptional items gained 15% to GBP908 million, versus analysts' estimates of GBP902 million. BSkyB added 326,000 new customers in the period. Its revenue climbed 5.1% to GBP5.08 billion from GBP4.83 billion. However, average revenue per customer gained 1.7% to GBP546. BskyB shares closed at $45.35 yesterday.