ATOSS presents record results for a sixth time

ATOSS presents record results for a sixth time

Munich, 12.03.2012 - At today's press conference ATOSS Software AG will present record results for a sixth time in succession. The Munich-based specialist in workforce management recorded an 8 percent increase in sales which climbed to EUR 31.6 million (previous year EUR 29.3 million). Operating profits (EBIT) were 7 percent higher at EUR 7.3 million (previous year EUR 6.8 million). Shareholders are due to participate in the company's success with a dividend of EUR 0.71 per share (previous year EUR 0.60), representing an increase of 18 percent. Despite the reticent order situation in the first months of the current financial year, the management stands by its forecasts for 2012.

New record figures in 2011, revised investment policy paying off
In 2011 ATOSS achieved an operating profit (EBIT) of EUR 7.3 million (previous year EUR 6.8 million). As a result, the return on sales at 23 percent remained on the same high level as in the year before, despite increased investments. The decision to revise the investment policy in line with market conditions is paying off for ATOSS. While the goal remains to preserve and develop sustained long-term value, the range of investments has been diversified. ATOSS is now investing in particular in dividend-bearing securities with real value along with physical gold, as well as short-term deposits. Accordingly the company recorded strong financial income of EUR 1.1 million (previous year EUR 0.1 million). Earnings before taxes (EBT) and net income both put on double-digit growth. In 2011 EBT climbed 21 percent to EUR 8.4 million (previous year EUR 7.0 million), while net income at EUR 5.7 million was some 18 percent higher (previous year EUR 4.8 million). Earnings per share also reached a new high of EUR 1.43 (previous year EUR 1.21).
 

Balance sheet structure remains sound
In financial year 2011 ATOSS again generated a very strong operating cash flow at EUR 5.3 million (previous year EUR 5.6 million), equivalent to 17 percent of sales. Liquidity was up 18 percent to EUR 24.9 million (previous year EUR 21.1 million), equivalent to EUR 6.25 per share compared with EUR 5.32 last year. These figures provide the basis on which to continue the successful implementation of the company's strategy, and finance the planned expenditures on research and development as well as on developing the business model. The company's equity base also signals confidence in the future. As of December 31, 2011 the equity ratio stood at 67 percent, compared with 63 percent for the year before.

As of December 31, 2011, orders for software licenses amounting to EUR 6.9 million were up by a significant nine percent over the year before. In the fourth quarter alone ATOSS booked orders valued at EUR 2.1 million. Orders on hand at the year-end at EUR 3.3 million were seven percent higher than the year before (EUR 3.1 million).
 

Transparent dividend policy
Since 2003 around half of the company's earnings per share have been distributed to shareholders. In continuation of this policy when the Supervisory Board met this year to adopt the accounts it was decided to propose that the AGM on April 20, 2012 should approve a dividend of EUR 0.71 per share. Based on the closing price of ATOSS stock in 2011, this represents a dividend yield of 4.3 percent (previous year 3.5 percent). Inclusive of this dividend for 2011, the total distribution per share since 2003 amounts to EUR 11.41 per share.
 

Outlook for 2012, current business trend
With an economically challenging year ahead in 2012, the order situation in the past financial year and particularly in the fourth quarter of 2011 holds the promise of stability. In the early months of the current year the order situation has been somewhat reticent relative to the year before. Nevertheless in the expectation of a recovery in the corporate appetite for investment and taking account of the strong order book at the end of 2011, the management anticipates a moderate increase in sales in 2012. Despite planned investments, particularly in the development of sales and marketing, the EBIT margin is expected to exceed 20 percent.

Upcoming dates:
20.04.2012 Annual general meeting in Munich
25.04.2012 Press release - statements for Q1 2012
16.05.2012 Publication of the report for Q1 2012
23.07.2012 Press release - statements for H1 2012
13.08.2012 Publication of the report for H1 2012
22.10.2012 Press release - statements for Q3 2012
15.11.2012 Publication of the report for Q3 2012
 

CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW AS PER IFRS: YEAR ON YEAR COMPARISON IN T EUR

CONSOLIDATED OVERVIEW AS PER IFRS: QUARTERLY COMPARISON IN T EUR

(1): Cash and cash equivalents, current and non-current financial assets (e.g. gold, equities); (2): Dividend of EUR 0.60 (previous year EUR 0.50) per share on 04.05.2011 (EUR 2,386,000); (3): at the end of the year/quarter
 

Further information: http://www.atoss.com
Contact: ATOSS Software AG
Christof Leiber / Member of the Management Board
Am Moosfeld 3, D-81829 Munich
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 4 27 71 - 0
Fax: +49 (0) 89 4 27 71 - 100
investor.relations@atoss.com