ATOSS Software AG: Strong growth and an increase in orders in the first quarter

The high rates of growth in sales, earnings and orders for software licenses collectively underscore the sustained pace of development at ATOSS Software AG in a market environment that remains positive. The trend in the software sector as a whole clearly illustrates the particular demand for workforce management solutions: Industry association BITKOM expects to see full-year growth of around 5 percent in the software industry in 2014.

The engine powering the business model is accelerating markedly

With turnover up 11 percent at EUR 9.7 million and software sales up 12 percent at EUR 5.9 million, the positive development in software licensing is particularly noticeable. This engine that powers future turnover within the ATOSS business model is rapidly accelerating, climbing 21 percent in the first quarter to EUR 2.1 million, while orders for software licenses more than doubled from EUR 1.3 million to EUR 2.8 million. ATOSS achieved particular success in the first quarter in acquiring new customers in the retail sector. The Management Board regards this as further confirmation of its strategy of addressing individual sectors with the goal of positioning ATOSS as a full-range provider of workforce management solutions. Meanwhile, the development in software maintenance remained positive with sales up 8 percent at EUR 3.8 million, while consulting sales climbed 16 percent to EUR 2.5 million.

Record results demonstrate profitability

ATOSS is a top performer, and not just in sales: Operating profits rose by a substantial 22 percent to EUR 2.5 million, adding two percentage points to the margin on sales which came in at 26 percent. With positive financial earnings of EUR 0.3 million, earnings before taxes (EBT) leapt 18 percent to EUR 2.8 million. Net earnings in the first quarter were 12 percent higher at EUR 2.0 million, with earnings per share coming in at EUR 0.50, compared with EUR 0.44 in the year before. The highly positive development in business helped to boost cash flow from operations by 60 percent to EUR 4.0 million, while liquidity climbed from EUR 15.3 million on December 31, 2013 to EUR 19.5 million. The equity ratio on March 31 stood at 50 percent, compared with 51 percent at the end of 2013, proving that ATOSS remains rock-solid.

Outlook positive, workforce management continues to offer substantial growth potential

Corporate demand for workforce management solutions remains buoyant as the high level of incoming orders lifted the volume of orders on hand for software licenses in the first quarter to EUR 4.1 million, compared with EUR 3.3 million in the year before. Both the industry environment and the high level of customer demand offer outstanding prospects for growth. The Management Board therefore continues to expect the highly positive development in business to be sustained in the current financial year.