Jack Henry Profit Rises

Data processing services provider Jack Henry(JKHY Quote) fourth quarter earnings rose 17%.

The Monett, Mo.-based company earned $25.4 million, or 27 cents a share, in the quarter, compared with $21.7 million, or 23 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting earnings of 27 cents a share in the most recent quarter.

Fourth-quarter revenue rose 14.8% from a year ago to $162.3 million. Analysts were expecting revenue of $154.1 million.

Fourth-quarter gross profit rose 18.2% from a year ago to $70.7 million and gross margin increased 130 basis points to 43.6%. Operating income for the quarter rose 18.2% to $40 million and operating margin increased 80 basis points to 24.7%.

The company's backlog at June 30 increased 11.5% from a year ago to $221.9 million.