Viacom reported a higher-than-expected rise in net profit of 15 per cent on strong box office sales of Transformers and GI Joe and fees from its MTV Networks cable division, offsetting a continued decline in global advertising.

“As we enter a period of economic recovery, Viacom is already beginning to reap the benefits of a highly focused and well-executed strategy,” said Sumner Redstone, executive chairman of Viacom.