Northern Irish broadcaster UTV today posted a 5 per cent increase in annual group operating profit.
UTV, which operates the ITV franchise in Northern Ireland and has 24 radio stations in Britain and Ireland, said group operating profit was £26 million ($33.9 million), just ahead of analyst forecasts for £25.3 million.
"Trading performance for the early part of 2008 is encouraging, and our outlook for the year is cautiously optimistic given the current market uncertainty," chief executive John McCann said.
Analysts welcomed the results, and the company's shares were flat at 246.5 pence at 10.43am.
UTV acquired Dublin station FM104 for €52 million ($79.9 million) and Scott Taunton, managing director of UTV Radio in Britain, said group would consider further acquisitions at the right price.
Operating profit at its radio business increased by 21 per cent, with radio advertising revenue in Britain up 6 per cent on a like-for-like basis, against market growth of 3 per cent. Radio ad revenues were up 4 per cent in Ireland.