Core division underpins progress at Spirent

Communications technology company Spirent reported a 10% rise in annual profit after a strong performance at its major division performance analysis.

However on a cautionary note, the group warned that it is not "immune to external factors and they may temper growth rates in parts of our business in the short term."

On a brighter note, the group added, "We believe overall that long-term growth opportunities for Spirent are very positive."

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Pre-tax profit rose $123.3m in the year to 31 December from $112m the year before. Group revenue rose to $528.2m from $482.2m previously, reflecting growth across all regions.

Its performance analysis unit saw revenue jump 14% to $416.4m following robust demand in wireless, positioning and data centre technologies, it explained.

"Performance Analysis, our largest division, has identified more opportunities for expansion through organic investment to bring the right solutions to market at the right time."

The group said it will invest further to take advantage of economic growth in the Asia Pacific region and is confident that these factors will enable the group as a whole to deliver further growth in 2012 and beyond.

Spirent has recommended at total dividend for the year of 2.93 cents per share, up from 2.50 cents in 2010.

CJ