BSkyB Posts Drop In Q3 Pretax Profit

British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC BSYBY reported a drop in its pretax profit for the third quarter. BSkyB's quarterly revenue rose to 1.72 billion pounds, from GBP1.66 billion, in the year-ago period. Its pretax profit fell to GBP288 million, from GBP307 million. BSkyB's diluted earnings per share rose to 13.2 pence from 12.8 pence, while earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortization gained to GBP392 million from GBP381 million. Its average revenue per user climbed to GBP550, from GBP535. BSkyB shares closed at $45.81 yesterday.