SEPU.L Share News (SEPU)

Digital radio maker Sepura said profit for the year ended march 2012 is expected to come in comfortably ahead of market expectations after strong sales and significant cost savings following its restructuring programme.The Cambridge based firm, which provides communications to the military, transport, utilities and commercial sectors, said it expects to report revenues within a range of €82 - €83m for the year. Cost reduction initiatives undertaken earlier in the year have had the expected positive impact on its margins, it said.Despite the continuing macro-economic uncertainties robust sales and the launch of its STP8X hand-portable device gives its confidence in the group's future trading targets, it added.The STP8X can be used in hazardous workplaces such as petrochemical plants, firegrounds and remote gas pipelines. The GPS receiver is able to accurately locate and monitor the movements of personnel via the radio, the group explained.CEO Gordon Watling commented, "Sepura has had a positive end to the financial year. Alongside a period of healthy sales, the successful launch of the STP8X represents a major milestone as Sepura expands into adjacent markets. The restructuring programme undertaken earlier in the year has delivered significant cost savings, which, combined with the contribution from our new ATEX products, gives us confidence in our future targets."Sepura said ATEX certification has been achieved and the first handsets were shipped during the fourth quarter in March 2012.Looking ahead Sepura added, "The positive results of actions taken in 2012 and continued investment in product innovation, mean that the company is comfortable with the recent Euro denominated market expectations for 2013." CJCJ