Sydney - Thursday - November 2: (RWE Australian Business News) - Espreon Ltd (ASX code: EON) managing director Mr Craig Kennedy told the annual meeting in Sydney today that future prospects had been enhanced and the company expected double-digit growth in earnings per share for the 2007 financial year. Against the expected significant growth in EBITDA, he said the following factors had to be taken into consideration: * earnings would be subject to full tax rate for the first time; * interest expense would exceed $3 million; * ordinary shares on issue had increased more than 10 million; * the transactional business, Property Services and Corporate Services, was subject to systemic risks such as legislative change or a decline in the overall market activity. Further interest rate increases might also be cause for concern; and * consistent with previous years, financial results in the second half were expected to be significantly better than the first. "Overall we expect the number of property transactions to remain flat or decline in the near term," Mr Kennedy commented. "However, the progressive deployment of incremental contracts for existing banking clients should provide some revenue growth in 2007, with an increased impact in 2008 due to the annualised effect of this new business. "We are seeking future growth and partnership opportunities with related suppliers involved in the conveyancing and lending process, in order to leverage our leadership position in the property segment. "Our Corporate Services business should enjoy some growth in operating profit due to the annualised impact of the small acquisitions made last year. "Billback is continuing to grow its business within all of the markets that it competes. The challenge for Billback is to accelerate its rate of growth, particularly in North America, where we still require additional or complimentary distribution options," he said.
EON Price at posting:
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