KCom on track despite customer delays in spending

The Hull-based group, formerly called Kingston Communications, reported strong performance from its KC domestic arm but weaker-than-expected performance in its Kcom business services division, and pledged to hike its dividend as planned.

It said net debt increased in its first half due to share scheme purchases and planned increases in capital spending.

KC, which serves Hull and East Yorkshire with telephone and internet services, “continues to make a strong contribution to group results”, said the company. “The ability now to offer bundled services is allowing us to deliver more value to our customers and the response continues to be positive,” the group said.

Its Kcom business, which serves businesses ranging from major plcs to local authorities, delivered year-on-year growth in its multi-year order backlog, but this was lower than previously anticipated “due to the uncertain environment for business investment decision-making”.

Executive chairman Bill Halbert said: “I am pleased to report that, despite challenging market conditions, the group continues to make progress towards achieving its longer term objectives.

“The continuing macro-economic uncertainty is resulting in slower new business investment decision-making and this is likely to remain the case through the second half of the year.

“Nevertheless, we remain confident about the underlying strength and continuing cash generative capacity of the group and are pleased to reconfirm our commitment to delivering a minimum 10 per cent increase in full year dividend.”