BSkyB sees profits increase 16%

British Sky Broadcasting Group plc said first-half operating profit rose 16%, topping analyst estimates, as Britain’s biggest pay-TV broadcaster sold more broadband products to subscribers.

Earnings before interest, taxes and exceptional items in the six months ended Dec 31, 2011, increased to £601m (€717m), beating analyst estimates for £585m. Sales climbed 6% to £3.4bn.

“While these are tough times for many consumers, our customers are staying loyal and more households continue to join us,” chief executive Jeremy Darroch said in a statement yesterday.