Bytes Technology Group (BTG) is something of an anomaly on the JSE Securities Exchange – an IT company that not only has reported a profit at year-end, but is also paying shareholders a 16 cents dividend.

The group posted revenues of R3.03 billion for the year ended 28 February, up almost 30 percent on the previous year, and saw operating profit rise 42 percent to R166 million. Adjusted headline earnings per share reached 53.5 cents (R81.1 million), a rise of more than 32 percent.

BTG executive chairman Dave Redshaw has, however, warned that revenue growth will slow in the coming year. “Our growth in revenue is somewhat inflated due to the conversion to rand from sterling revenues at a higher average rate compared to the previous year. The accelerated spend by major corporates in the UK, following changes in licensing policy imposed by Microsoft, also played a role.”