Vianet Grp Share News (VNET)

(Sharecast News) - Internet of Things platform provider Vianet chairman James Dickson told investors at the group's annual general meeting on Wednesday that the good momentum experienced by the firm last year had continued into its new financial year.Dickson said Vianet's trading in the first two months had been "slightly ahead" of the board's expectations, with positive results coming from the firm's focus on strong growth opportunities in its smart machines division.The AIM-listed firm's chair also noted the group intends to make further sales investment into the smart machines unit, with an extra focus on developing its capability and accelerating growth.Smart Machines' end-to-end product suite and established presence also continued to create strong growth opportunities for the company across the UK and Europe, with further contracts won in the past months."The group is in good shape to deliver strong earnings growth and to expand the future strategic options for Vianet," said Dickson."This is reflected in the board's decision to recommend maintaining the final dividend at 4p per share."As of 1145 BST, Vianet shares had picked up 2.01% to 131.08p.