ATOSS Software AG: Dynamic start to 2017

The results posted by ATOSS Software AG for the first quarter of 2017 not only follow on seamlessly from the last 11 record years. They also offer sustained proof of the competitive strength of ATOSS and the continuously increasing importance of workforce management as a corporate tool.

This dynamic growth is reflected above all in the double-digit growth in sales. The core software business accounted for sales of EUR 7.7 million, equivalent to 59 percent of the company’s overall turnover of EUR 13.0 million. Turnover in consulting – supported by the excellent order situation – was 10 percent higher year on year at EUR 3.6 million. Hardware sales amounted to EUR 0.9 million (previous year: EUR 1.0 million), with miscellaneous revenues coming in at EUR 0.7 million (previous year: EUR 0.5 million).

Despite the increase in investments - particularly in research & development - relative to the year before, as well as higher personnel costs coupled with the development in sales & marketing, there was a slight increase in operating profits in line with expectations from EUR 3.2 million to EUR 3.3 million. ATOSS recorded earnings per share of EUR 0.57 in the first quarter (previous year: EUR 0.57). Based on EBIT, the return on sales came in at 26 percent, slightly above the Management Board forecast for 2017.

These gratifying business developments also generated an increase in operating cash flow which climbed 16 percent to EUR 4.9 million (previous year: EUR 4.2 million). Consequently, as of March 31, 2017 ATOSS recorded consolidated liquidity including financial assets of EUR 29.6 million (previous year: EUR 28.7 million). Even after the dividend payment of around EUR 4.6 million or EUR 1.16 per share to be proposed to shareholders at the AGM on April 28, 2017, ATOSS will still enjoy a respectable cash position and strong equity which together will safeguard the company’s outstanding future prospects.

ATOSS Software AG enjoys an excellent position as a key player in the market for workforce management, enabling the company to write the next chapter in its success story in its thirtieth anniversary year. In particular, orders on hand for software licenses and Cloud solutions valued at EUR 5.7 million and EUR 6.5 million respectively provide an outstanding foundation. The Management Board, supported by the gratifying start to the year, stands by its guidance for financial year 2017 and continues to anticipate sales growth of 10 percent within a corridor of +/-3 percent. Despite further planned investments, particularly in developing new markets, and a continuing high level of expenditure on research & development amounting to around one fifth of sales, the EBIT margin is also expected to remain around 25 percent.