JSE-listed AST says it has reached its 1998 prelisting strategic goal of achieving critical mass in each of its technology businesses.
Announcing the group`s interim results for the period to 31 December 2001, De Klerk says AST`s revenue for the six months equals the revenue for the full 2000 financial year, a pattern achieved for three consecutive years.
"Our 46% revenue growth is associated with increased market share and return on past investments - a clear demonstration of our ability to deliver on opportunities which arise in the market and the strength of our business model."
He adds that the growth is in spite of tough trading conditions faced by the global IT industry, which grew only 9% during 2001.
"Our leadership in the South African ICT [information and communication technology] services market was recently confirmed by independent research, which rated all of AST`s technology business units among the leaders in their respective markets."
He says the group has achieved solid success in IT solutions and distributed technology, and it is now set to do the same in networking and business services.
"South African corporate clients are increasingly accepting outsourcing as an efficiency and cost-reduction tool. Our recent success with business services suggests that the acceptance has spilled over into this segment."
De Klerk says the group is satisfied with progress in Australia.
"The business is fundamentally sound, although results are not quite as initially anticipated. They were, however, in line with the slower market conditions experienced globally, and indications for the future are still positive.
"Our roll-out is progressing well, albeit at a slower rate. Europe is becoming increasingly important in our internationalisation strategy."
He notes that the decreasing value of the rand has placed some constraints on AST`s international expansion programme.
"Our deal flow is gaining momentum and AST`s organic growth alone is more than double the growth of the industry. Not only have we increased our client base, we have also expanded our business with existing clients, which is a good indication of client satisfaction.
"AST is also benefiting from past investments - they are pulling us through what is, for the industry, a tough period," he says.
"More than 50% of our revenue is annuity revenue, and 14 of the 41 significant wins in the period are also annuity transactions."
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