Profits at Nuance Communications almost triple

Profits at software technology company Nuance Communications Ireland almost tripled last year to €4.2 million after tax from €1.4 million in 2015.

Nuance, which has its worldwide headquarters in Boston, develops speech and imaging technologies that are used in a variety of sectors from customer services to healthcare.

The firm is famous for its voice recognition software Dragon, which is available across a range of platforms, including mobile. Samsung, Apple and BlackBerry use its voice-control technology, as do carmakers Volkswagen, Ford and BMW.

Gross revenue for the year ended September 30th, 2016, amounted to €377.6 million which was up from €368.9 million the year before. The cost of sales was €366.1 million, which includes sales, marketing services, and licence payments to related parties.

Denis O’Brien eyes Cuba for new underwater fibre optic cable

---

Turn your iPad into second screen for your MacBook with Luna

---

No more bad memories: Facebook tweaks its algorithm

---

An online course about robot ethics and AI concerns

---

Operating profit was €11.2 million, up from €11 million the year before.

The directors did not, however, recommend a dividend to be paid to shareholders.

In terms of outlook, the company, which employs 14,000 people in 35 countries, said demand for its products “continues to be strong” and that procedures were being put in place to “maximise” opportunities.

The number of people employed by the company fell slightly from 56 to 54, although the accounts noted that the directors “expect this number to grow” during the coming year.

The company’s four directors made approximately €792,000 between them during the year, although this was down on the €1 million they received the year before.