Hi °C | Lo °C Digitial camera maker Andor Technology - one of Northern Ireland's three listed companies -has announced a 3% increase in pre-tax profit to £10m.
Andor, which is based in west Belfast and makes highly-specialist cameras for academia and industry, saw turnover rise 2% to £58.3m.
The preliminary results for the year ending September 2012 also showed the company will be paying its first ever dividend at 2p per share.
Chief executive Conor Walsh said the results were satisfying, particularly in the present economic climate.
He added growth levels were lower than previous years, due to "a pretty challenging environment".
However, the company did manage to increase sales in Asia Pacific by nearly one-third, which off-set weakness in other regions.
It also increased market share in mid-range cameras with the launch of the Zyla camera, which was developed by a team in a research and development acceleration centre separate to the rest of the company's workforce.
Mr Walsh said the same centre could be used for future product development.
Chairman Colin Walsh said: "I am pleased to report a solid set of results from Andor. Despite the uncertain economic environment, we have worked hard to achieve growth in revenue and profit.
"We have invested in both product development and manufacturing capacity and our products remain clear market leaders in their respective fields.
"I consider our outlook to be positive and I remain confident in Andor's ability to deliver in the year ahead."
Andor is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) along with Newry-based financial software company First Derivatives. UTV Media plc is listed on the main London Stock Exchange.
