Comcast’s net income rises 54%

Comcast Corp., the nation’s largest cable operator, reported a 54% gain in fourth-quarter profit on solid revenue gains that were boosted by acquisitions and customers’ increased spending for cable TV.

In a bow to the desires of agitated shareholders unhappy with its weakened stock price, Comcast also said it would start paying a 6.25-cent quarterly dividend beginning at the end of April that is expected to increase over time.

Comcast’s stock was up $1.43 to $19.24.