(Alliance News) - Netcall PLC on Wednesday declared an increased final dividend for its latest financial year, as well as a strong balance sheet and significant growth in both revenue and profit.

Shares in Netcall were down 1.8% at 81.00 pence in London around midday.

The Bedford-based customer engagement software provider said pretax profit for the year ended June 30 was GBP4.0 million, up 74% from GBP2.3 million the previous year.

Total revenue increased 18% to GBP36.0 million from GBP30.5 million, with cloud services revenue soaring by 55% to GBP16.6 million from GBP10.7 million and accounting for over 80% of new product bookings. Intelligent Automation solutions revenue increased 34% to GBP18.5 million from GBP13.8 million, and now accounts for over half of total group revenue.

Total annual contract value increased 15% to GBP27.9 million from GBP24.2 million. For cloud services, ACV grew by 21% to GBP18.1 million from GBP15.0 million.

Netcall said its cash balance at June 30 was GBP24.8 million, up 41% from GBP17.6 million at the same time one year prior.

"Netcall had a strong year of trading, delivering double-digit organic revenue and profit growth which was fuelled by a strong demand for our cloud services as we transition to a predominately cloud-based business," Chief Executive Henrik Bang commented.

"We have continued to see strong demand for our offering as customers increasingly prioritise automation and improvements to customer experience, which, in addition to solid cross and up-sales, also resulted in an increased number of new customer wins."

Netcall declared a final dividend of 0.83p per share, 54% higher than the prior year's 0.54p payout.

Looking ahead, Netcall plans to invest further in its technology and development teams, "to capitalise on growing demand and support future growth."

"Sales momentum has remained strong into the start of the new financial year," Bang continued, "and our significant order book alongside our increasing recurring revenues and strong pipeline of new business opportunities, gives the board confidence in the group's continued success."

By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter

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