The results, which cover the 12 months preceding June 30, showed Sky was flourishing amid the trend for recession-hit consumers to stay at home, adding 128,000 new subscribers in the fourth quarter. The number of subscribers leaving the broadcaster was 9.8%.
However, advertising revenue fell by 6% year-on-year to £308m as a result of "weakness in the market".
Sky+HD's customer base grew with a net increase of 534,000 subscribers, taking the total to 1.3m. Full year revenue was up 7% to £5.3bn and operating profit was up by 4% to £780m.
Analysts have reacted positively to the figures. UBS analyst Daniel Kerven said the increase in subscribers was ahead of the highest predictions, with the performance of Sky+HD particularly impressive.
In 2010 Sky said it was aiming to have 10m subscribers by December next year and would continue to invest in Sky+HD with the launch of more channels. It is also looking to expand its broadband and telephony businesses.
Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch said: "As customers become more careful about the companies they do business with, we believe that reputation will become increasingly important. Our Bigger Picture programme focuses on making a positive contribution to UK life in three areas: the environment, sport and arts.
"To give just one example, as part of our partnership with British Cycling, we aim to get one million more people cycling for fun and fitness by 2013 through our Skyride programme of mass-participation rides across the UK."
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
