(Vancouver) Telus on Thursday announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, while disclosing a first quarter profit down from the same period last year, victim of higher interest, amortization and costs. restructuring and other costs.

The telecommunications giant said it will now pay a quarterly dividend of 36.36 cents per share, up from the previous 35.11 cents per share.

Telus posted earnings attributable to common shareholders of $217 million, or 15 cents per share, down from $385 million, or 28 cents per share, in the first quarter last year.

Operating revenue totaled $4.96 billion, up from $4.28 billion in the first three months of 2022.

On an adjusted basis, Telus said it earned 27 cents per share for the most recent quarter, down from 30 cents per share a year ago.

Analysts on average had expected adjusted profit of 26 cents and revenue of nearly $4.90 billion, according to forecasts compiled by financial data firm Refinitiv.

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