Netcall Share News (NET)

LONDON (Alliance News) - Customer-engagement software provider Netcall PLC Tuesday reported an increase in pretax profit for the full year, boosted by growing orders for its products. It raised its annual dividend by 40% in response.

The firm posted pretax profit of GBP2.2 million for the period ended 30 June, up from GBP2.1 million a year earlier, while revenue jumped 10% to GBP16.1 million, from GBP14.6 million in 2012.

Netcall attributed the rise in profit and revenue to continued demand for its product portfolio, driven principally by a strengthening private sector and orders for its Business Process Management and Software-as-a-Service solutions.

Earnings before interest taxation and amortisation increased 22% to GBP4.2 million from GBP3.5 million last year. Basic earnings per share increased 11% to 1.65 pence compared with 1.49 pence in 2012.

Netcall said it had a debt-free balance sheet, with net cash funds of GBP9.2 million on June 30, up from GBP8.4 million a year earlier.

"We continue to benefit from a growing sales pipeline as the requirement for increasingly sophisticated end-to-end customer engagement solutions drives demand for our broadening range of capabilities and solutions, Chief Executive Henrik Bang said in a statement.

"With a robust financial position, the board continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities to complement our organic growth," he added,

The firm said a full-year dividend of 0.7 pence per share, amounting to a total dividend of GBP0.84million will be proposed at its annual general meeting on 21 November. The payout represents a 40% increase from 0.5p the year before.

Netcall shares were quoted early Tuesday at 39.50p, down 1.25p or 3.1%.

By Anthony Tshibangu; anthonytshibangu@alliancenews.com; @AnthonyAllNews

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