AdEPT Telecom PLC (LON:ADT) said underlying earnings in the financial year just ended will be slightly ahead of market expectations.
The information technology, communications and connectivity specialist said that when all of the numbers for the year to 31 March 2018, are totted up, it expects underlying earnings (EBITDA) will have risen 23% on the previous year, which is slightly ahead of the market consensus forecast.
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Turnover, up 29% or so year-on-year, is also expected to be ahead of market expectations.
AdEPT continued its tradition of meaty dividend rises by announcing its intention to pay a final dividend for the year to 31 March 2018, of 4.5p, up from 4p the year before.
The total dividend for the year rose 13% year-on-year to 8.75p, well ahead of the consensus forecast of 8p.
The deferred consideration period in relation to AdEPT’s acquisition of Our IT Department Limited ended on 31 January 2018 and the results for the 12 month post-acquisition period exceeded the maximum consideration threshold. The deferred consideration for Our IT Department Limited of £3.65mln will be paid in early April 2018, AdEPT said.
Net senior debt at the end of March stood at £18.05mln, which was lower than the market had been expecting largely as a result of the timing of the deferred consideration in relation to the acquisition of Our IT Department, combined with better-than-expected earnings.
"AdEPT continues to generate consistently strong results, driving growth both organically and through acquisitions, while providing investors a dividend yield of 2.9%," noted broker, Northland Capital Partners.
Shares in AdEPT were up 3.1% in early deals on Thursday.