Spirent upbeat for H2

Telecoms test equipment supplier Spirent Communications reported a 37% hike in first half pre-tax profit as demand picked up across its markets and said it is confident of building on momentum going into the second half.Pre-tax profit rose to $48.8m for the six months ended 30 June compared to $35.5m a year earlier. Operating profit jumped 36% to $49m during the period.Revenue increased to $227.2m from $208.7m while order intake rose 24%."Spirent is well placed to achieve profitable growth during the second half-year," the group said.It is expected that second half growth will be driven by increased demand for its test and measurement solutions portfolio. "We will thoughtfully manage costs through the ongoing economic recovery and look forward to building on the positive momentum experienced during the first half of the year," the group added.The interim dividend has been increased by 18% to 1.10 cents per share.