Technology staffing and outsourcing services provider Calian Technologies saw first-quarter net earnings rise 18.8 per cent to $2.03 million, or 24 cents a share, even as revenues decreased because of the end of a call centre contract last June.

The Ottawa-based company posted a 5.1-per-cent decrease in total revenues to $45.1 million, as revenues in its business and technology services segment fell to $33 million from $38.5 million in the same quarter the previous year. However, the loss was offset by gains in its systems engineering segment, which rose to $12.1 million from $8.9 million.

"Even in the absence of revenues and contribution associated with the call centre contract that ended in June 2006, the company was still able to surpass last year's first-quarter earnings per share by 20 per cent," said Calian's chief executive Ray Basler.

Calian noted that its systems engineering division had seen reduced new orders in the past few years because of a "depressed satellite sector," but said the recent rejuvenation of the market had resulted in increased demand for its products and services, with more contract signings announced over the past few quarters.

Meanwhile, the company said its business and technology services division had "experienced delays" in the past few years, but noted that it was confident that the Department of National Defence and other federal departments would continue to require support services from Calian to supplement the public service. Calian also said it would pursue new opportunities in traditional markets within its business and technology services division.

The company increased its 2007 guidance slightly for its net earnings to between 90 cents and $1.10 per share, from its previous 90 cents to $1.05 per share forecast in November. Its predictions for revenues remained the same at $180 million to $200 million.