Wind is back in SAF's sails - SAF announces net profit of EUR 2.1 Mio. for Q3/08
Tägerwilen (euro adhoc) -
SAF publishes detailed results for Q3/08 and expects increase of revenues for fiscal year 2008
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companies/Interim report
- Quarterly revenues of EUR 4.9 million (Q3/07: EUR 3.2 million) - Net profit for the quarter of EUR 2.1 million (Q3/07: EUR 0.6 million) - Sale of licenses via OEM partner accelerates
Tägerwilen/Switzerland, November 25, 2008. SAF AG, listed in the Prime Standard (ISIN CH0024848738), announces detailed financial figures and confirms the most successful quarter in the Company's history to date. At EUR 4.9 million, SAF recorded its highest-ever quarterly revenues. The strong demand for our ordering and forecasting software lifted SAF's net profit from EUR 0.6 million in the third quarter of 2007 to EUR 2.1 million in the present quarter, generating a net profit margin of 41.7 percent. For fiscal year 2008 the Company expects growth in revenues.
While all business segments contributed to this growth, the license business was the driving force, amounting to EUR 2.8 million (Q3/07: EUR 1.6 million). The OEM partner played a key role in this development by attracting seven new customers. Earning revenues of EUR 1.6 million, maintenance business also generated encouraging growth, rising 26.2 percent over the figure for Q3 2007. It has been experiencing dynamic growth for years. License sales lead to additional maintenance revenues down the line. This segment has therefore long served as a reliable and stable growth driver. Analysis and implementation services also produced gratifying results. Thanks to the accelerated expansion of SAF's direct business, these services generated EUR 0.5 million in the third quarter of the year, representing an 86.1 percent increase over the same period last year.
Costs increased moderately. SAF hired new development, sales and service specialists as part of its efforts to increase its direct business. On the other hand, SAF lowered costs by shifting certain aspects of development to its Slovakian subsidiary SAF Slovakia s.r.o. (Bratislava), and by establishing development teams there. SAF is highly disciplined in budgeting its costs and is capable of reacting to changing market conditions with a great degree of flexibility.
In particular, there were two key factors influencing the strong demand for software licenses in the third quarter explains Dr. Andreas von Beringe, CEO of SAF AG: "The trend towards considerably greater demand in the second half of the year than in the first dominating the software market for years and the SAP F&R release upgrade to the new Version 5.0."
By and large, the Company expects to increase its revenues in fiscal year 2008. "The third quarter has given us further reason for optimism" comments von Beringe. At present, it is not possible to foresee whether and to what extent the looming economic crisis will impact the further business development of SAF. "However, it is a matter of fact" adds von Beringe "that for retailers SAF technology provides rapid returns, significantly reducing costs while increasing revenues. Its effect on earnings is positive even in difficult times."
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About SAF AG SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting AG specializes in the development of automated ordering and forecasting software for retailers and industrial manufacturers. SAF deploys the demand chain management approach, which controls replenishment planning based on consumer demand patterns. SAF software assists users to realize substantial cost savings and optimizes general logistics conditions through its simulation capabilities. As a result, significant competitive advantages are achieved along the entire value chain: lower inventories, improved product availability, and last, but not least, a higher level of customer satisfaction.
SAF AG was established in 1996 by Dr. Andreas von Beringe and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Arminger. SAF shares are listed at the official market (Prime Standard) at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB). Today, the company employs approx. 100 people. Consolidated sales revenues for fiscal year 2007, were approx. 13.2 million EUR with consolidated profit of 3.0 million EUR according to IFRS statements. SAF's products are distributed in many European countries as well as in the United States. The company is headquartered in Tägerwilen, Switzerland. SAF also has a subsidiary in the United States: SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting U.S.A., Inc., Grapevine, Texas and in Slovakia, Bratislava: SAF Simulation, Analysis and Forecasting Slovakia s.r.o. with the focus on Nearshore-Development.
Notice The entire Interim Report as of September 30, 2008 will be available from November 25 onwards at SAF'S webpage at "Investors-> Reports & Presentations": www.saf-ag.com or by phone: +41 (0)71 666 79 48
Forward Looking Statements and Estimates This information contains forward looking statements based on assumptions and estimates of SAF's Management Board. Although we assume the expectations in these forward looking statements are realistic, we cannot guarantee they will prove to be correct. The assumptions may harbor risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual figures to differ considerably from the forward looking statements. Factors that may cause such discrepancies include, among other things, risks that are mentioned in the annual report 2007. SAF does not plan to update the forward looking statements, nor does it assume the obligation to do so.
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Astrid Strömer
+41 (0)71 666 79 48
astrid.stroemer@saf-ag.com
Branche: Software
ISIN: CH0024848738
WKN: A0JD78
Index: Prime All Share, Technologie All Share
Börsen: Börse Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
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