Sage ups share buyback by £200m after strong first half

(Sharecast News) - Enterprise software firm Sage has extended its share buyback plan by �200m after a strong first half, and maintained its growth guidance for the full year despite a "more volatile and uncertain macroeconomic environment".

Underlying total revenues rose by 9% year-on-year to �1.24bn in the six months to 31 March, which the company said reflected its high-quality subscription-based recurring revenue model.

All regions contributing to growth: revenues in North America, its biggest division, rose 11% organically to �568m; UKIA underlying revenues were 9% higher at �358m; while revenues in Europe rose 7% to �316m.

Underlying operating profits jumped 16% to �288m, helped by a 1.4 percentage-point improvement in the underlying operating profit margin to 23.2%.

Sage raised its interim dividend per share by 7% to 7.45p, in line with its progressive policy, while the new share purchase programme - which follows a �400m buyback announced in November which will end in June - reflects the company's "strong cash generation, robust financial position, and the board's confidence in Sage's future prospects".

"Sage delivered strong results in the first half of the year, extending our track record of broad-based growth and significant margin expansion. Our performance reflects the strength of our accounting, HR and payroll solutions, underpinned by ongoing investment in our network platform," said chief executive Steve Hare.

Looking ahead, the company continues to expect full-year organic revenue growth of "9% or above", while operating margins are expected to trend upwards in FY25 and beyond.