Mediaboss Marketing

ATOSS presents record results for a sixth time

Munich, 12.03.2012 - At todays 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 companys 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 companys strategy, and finance the planned expenditures on research and development as well as on developing the business model. The companys 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 companys 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

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DGAP-News: ATOSS presents record results for a sixth time