HELLO CHRISTOF, let's take a quick look at the business developments over the last few years.
The last 14 record years reflect sustained growth on all levels. Especially since 2014, growth dynamics have picked up significantly - while transforming the business model towards the cloud at the same time. And it is also worth taking a look at the ATOSS share. In a ten-year comparison from January 2010 to April 2020, share value appreciated by 1,351 percent. By comparison with other worldwide renowned and internationally active software companies such as SAP, Oracle or Workday, the ATOSS share has put in above average performance.
The key to these successes is the sustainable development and commitment of our employees.
We just held our virtual AGM for the 2019 financial year. Can you mention a few highlights?
At +14 percent, total sales growth in 2019 was particularly strong. Posting gains of 18 percent, the development of software revenue, the driving force behind our business model, is even more dynamic. Our earnings power continuously shows an EBIT margin of 25 percent and more, and in 2019, at 27 percent, it reached a peak value once again in spite of a considerable increase in personnel and investments committed to expanding our business. The key to these successes is the sustainable development and commitment of our employees, who now number more than 500. Without our people, this success would not be possible.
And you will be writing new chapters of the success story in 2020?
Indeed. Despite or perhaps especially due to the current difficult times, demand for workforce management solutions has put in such gratifying developments. Our total revenue was up by 17 percent in the first quarter of 2020. In the software segment, revenue grew by 9 percent, and in the cloud business even by 73 percent. Particularly in the current market situation, this represents an excellent stabilization of the ATOSS business model. Following the successful first quarter, we are very optimistic about the future and continue to perceive excellent growth opportunities for us and our workforce management activities.
We continue to perceive excellent growth opportunities for us and our workforce management activities.
Is this an indication that workforce management is an important tool for companies of all sizes and industries – particularly in times of crisis?
Absolutely! We are experiencing this every day in actual practice. Workforce management has not only supported our customers during shutdowns, it is also playing an important role in the current phase of ramping up the economy to "new normal operations". Especially now, companies have to master difficult situations. Health protection, staff shortages, disrupted supply chains, plunging orders or sluggish approval processes and financial bottlenecks - to name just a few. All this is resulting in massive volatility. These challenges can only be mastered by professional digitalized solutions geared to boosting flexibility.
Christof, thank you very much for the interview.
