Group NBT
HOLDThe popularity of online shopping and ever widening broadband penetration are enabling internet services expert Group NBT to maintain its rapid growth rates.
Two earlier acquisitions that outperformed, allied to organic growth of 17%, were behind a 98% sales surge to £16.5m for the half to December. Flat pre-tax profits of £1.9m reflected restructuring costs and a small loss from last July's Envisional acquisition. However, underlying profits actually rose 43% and good cash generation swelled the coffers to £3.5m and halved debt to £1m.
European domain name manager Ascio, loss-making prior to its purchase last year, is now 'solidly into profits’, according to chief executive Geoff Wicks, and contributed to a 39% sales rise in the Netnames division, while Wicks predicts further efficiencies to come from the integration process.
Elsewhere, the Netbenefit managed hosting arm, where broadband proliferation and the growth of online shopping are drivers that should see strong growth continue for some time, advanced 58% with the assistance of 2006 acquisition Exalia’s full integration. House broker Numis sees the managed services sector as prime for consolidation due to the increasing costs of data centres driving out the small fry. Wicks adds that current economic conditions, although not conducive to acquisitions, ‘might create a few bargains’.
Recommended by Growth Company Investor at 253.5p in February last year, the shares gained over a third to 346p in May before falling back in volatile markets. On full-year forecast earnings of 13.8p from Numis, rising to 17.9p in 2009, the shares are a firm hold.
Save 50% off your first year’s subscription to Growth Company Investor magazine, and gain immediate access to all the recommendations online. Click here.
- Reduce text size Decrease text size
- Increase text size Increase text size
- Print article Print
- Share this article Share
- Email article to a friend Email
Market cap: £55.57m
PE Forecast: 16
Share price: 221p
Subscribe today
More breaking news stories.
More extended feature articles.
And a depth of analysis you
can't find anywhere else.
Advertisement
VCT Report 2010
VCT Report 2010 uncovers the money available
for investment in every single VCT, helping you get one step ahead in the race to attract funding for your unquoted, AIM-listed or PLUS-quoted
company.
Order VCT Report 2010 today using this online form
Cash Shells Directory 2010
A comprehensive overview of cash shells on AIM and PLUS, companies that have become a significant feature on the market landscape. For more information and to order, click here or contact our marketing team on 020 7250 7056.
Coverage of AIM, techMARK and PLUS Markets
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
Take control of your investments
A full year's subscription to What Investment magazine for £19.95, a whopping 58% off. Get the latest news, features and expert advice on ISAs, Investment Trusts and Funds, SIPPS, Investing for Children and much much
more. Find out more here.
The Financial Times Guide to Personal Tax
is the definitive and most up-to-date guide to completing your self-assessment tax return, making sure that you get it right and on time, and showing how you can save tax. For more information and to order, click here or contact our marketing team on 020 7250 7056.
The AIM Guide Spring 2010
The new, fully updated AIM Guide is now available to buy for only £49.95 (saving you £30).
A 'must-have' for any serious investor or professional interested in the market for young, fast-growing companies. Order your copy today Hurry, as offer ends soon!
Share recommendations and small-cap stock picks
Small-cap and growth company share recommendations on AIM- and PLUS-listed companies. Latest analysts' stock tips and advice on which are the best shares to buy on London's junior stock markets.
Popular Recommendations
Advertisement
Latest Recommendations
Delcam 01/09/2010
Delcam, the international seller of CAD/CAM software to the engineering, aerospace and healthcare sectors among others, is a cash-generative small-cap seeing recovery in its markets.
Antisoma 01/09/2010
Bombed-out biotech play Antisoma is hoping two of its drugs will lead to good fortune after experiencing disaster with lung cancer treatment ASA404.
GW Pharmaceuticals 31/08/2010
GW Pharmaceuticals has won approval from Health Canada for its cannabis-based Sativex product to treat spasticity caused by Multiple Sclerosis.
Sectors
