ROGERS' PROFITS IMPROVE

By FREE PRESS NEWS SERVICES

TORONTO -- Aggressive cost control and a flurry of high-tech smartphone releases helped Rogers Communications Inc. beat analyst expectations yesterday, driving the telecommunications giant to improved profits and revenues in a traditionally slow period in the midst of a recession. Even so, Rogers downgraded its revenue outlook for the year ahead, dropping expectations for consolidated top line growth to between2 and 4%, down from earlier predictions of 5 to 9%. "On balance the quarter reflects the strength of our franchises, the quality of our networks and our focused execution, though we're clearly moving through some challenging economic times," Rogers chief executive Nadir Mohamed said.

TORONTO -- Aggressive cost control and a flurry of high-tech smartphone releases helped Rogers Communications Inc. beat analyst expectations yesterday, driving the telecommunications giant to improved profits and revenues in a traditionally slow period in the midst of a recession. Even so, Rogers downgraded its revenue outlook for the year ahead, dropping expectations for consolidated top line growth to between2 and 4%, down from earlier predictions of 5 to 9%. "On balance the quarter reflects the strength of our franchises, the quality of our networks and our focused execution, though we're clearly moving through some challenging economic times," Rogers chief executive Nadir Mohamed said.

Bilibala's comments
The Outlook cut mainly with Rogers' Media segment. The rest are fine and management said it doesn't know how will the i-phone 3G S impact will be for 2H09. With sales & promotion as well as the cost of equipment, even i-phone sales looks great, it will benefit the future years, but i don't think it will have great positive impact to 2H09 net income.