NCC Group, the Manchester-based global cyber security firm, on Thursday said it expected full-year adjusted profit to be higher than analyst estimates, as the company’s core business returned to growth in the second half of the year. 

The company said adjusted operating profit, which excludes some items, was expected to be ahead of consensus at £31 million for the 12 months ended 31 May. It is scheduled to post its full results on 1 August. 

Its shares rose 6% on the London Stock Exchange. 

NCC said cyber security revenues returned to growth in the second half of the financial year, up about 6% on a constant currency basis, following a decline of 9.6% in the first half. 

Mike Maddison, CEO, said: “We have delivered a second-half financial performance ahead of our Adjusted Operating Profit expectations and continued to transform the business on many fronts. We remain confident in our ability to create sustainable long-term revenue growth, our financial resilience and continue to improve shareholder value.

“It is exciting to see Managed Services continue to grow, which is central to our Cyber strategy, and Escode continue to experience consecutive revenue growth alongside its new brand launch early in the year.”