Profits Up At Manitoba Tel

Article Excerpt

MANITOBA TELECOM SERVICES $46 (Toronto symbol MBT; SI Rating: Average) moved up recently after reporting improved profits in the latest quarter. The company is the main provider of local, long distance, wireless and online services in Manitoba. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, Manitoba Tel had earnings of $0.65 a share, up 3.2% from $0.63 a share a year earlier. Revenues fell 1.3%, to $488.8 million from $495.1 million. But that came from declining lower-profit long distance and traditional phone services. Higher profit wireless, Internet and digital television services showed revenue gains. Manitoba Tel is currently restructuring its operations, including its Allstream division, which provides businesses with local, long distance and data services. Manitoba Tel could also enhance its value by selling or spinning off Allstream, or converting its local service unit into an income trust. Manitoba Telecom is still a buy. buy…