BSkyB announce improved first half results

BSkyB have announced sharply improved first half results, due to strong demand for satellite services helped by operating profits that more than doubled.
The company, in which News Corp holds a 36.6 % stake, reported underlying profits of £158.3 million in the last half a year, on sales up from £1.32 billon to £1.51 billion. Subscriber growth was up 244,000 to 6.56 million in the second quarter.
At the pre-tax level, after amortisation and exceptional items, the company reported a £16.6 million profit for the first half - reversing a loss of £1.25 billion in the comparable period in 2001.
The company said revenues from direct-to-home services increased by 23 % to £1.11 billion.
(GB)