Oracle Corp's sales force pulled off a big feat in the business software maker's latest quarter, sustaining a healthy clip of contract signings amid a dreary time for technology spending.

The efforts helped push Oracle's sales and profit above Wall Street's forecasts. Oracle also surprised investors by declaring its first dividend, a rare sign of confidence that comes as other bellwethers are cutting or suspending their dividends to save money.

Oracle's shares jumped $1.11, or 7 percent, to $16.94 in after-hours trading on Wednesday (local time) after Oracle reported its results. The stock had gained 43 cents, or 2.8 percent, to close the regular trading session at $15.83.