EANS-News: SAF AG
SAF increases revenues by 61.5 percent and achieves net
profit margin of 26 percent for Q1/09
Tägerwilen (euro adhoc) -
Due to strong license sales SAF returns to its accustomed profitability
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- Revenues of EUR 4.5 million (Q1/08: EUR 2.8 million) in Q1/09 - License sales increased by 171 percent - SAF wins Winn-Dixie as direct sales customer - OEM partner sells four licenses - Operational strength in earnings retrieved
Tägerwilen/Switzerland, May 26, 2009. SAF AG, which is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN CH0024848738), reports for the first quarter 2009 revenues of EUR 4.5 million (Q1/08: EUR 2.8 million), an increase in revenues of 61.5 percent versus the same period of last year. This results mainly from the increase in license revenues by 170.8 percent. Both the contract conclusion with Winn- Dixie, one of the leading US grocery chains, in direct sales business and the four licenses sold through the OEM partner contributed to this revenue increase.
"SAF got off to a strong start to fiscal year 2009", illustrates Dr. Andreas von Beringe CEO of SAF AG the dynamic start into the new fiscal year. Not only EBIT increased from EUR -0.3 million to EUR 1.3 million but also consolidated net profit lifted from EUR -0.1 million to EUR 1.2 million. Thus, the net profit margin resulted in a radical reversal from -3.1 percent to 26.0 percent. A glance at these encouraging financial figures reveals that SAF has returned to its accustomed profitability.
SAF has significantly expanded its direct sales activities in recent years and, thanks to its practical solutions, the Company holds a leading position in forecast-based replenishment planning. SAF provides companies the opportunity to use the latest technology to position themselves as leaders in the battle for market shares and customers.
"We have a strong pipeline of potential new customers and are therefore highly confident that sales in fiscal year 2009 will outstrip those of 2008", comments von Beringe expectations for the current fiscal year. Aside from license sales, a key driving force is SAF's maintenance business, which has long since evolved into an ever greater growth engine each quarter. SAF generated EUR 1.7 million (Q1/08: EUR 1.5 million) in the first quarter 2009. Every new license sold also increases maintenance revenue downstream, which can also be clearly forecasted. "Despite the difficult times we face, we thus have good reason to look to the future with cautious optimism", added von Beringe.
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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 2008, were approx. 13.4 million EUR with consolidated profit of 2.1 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.
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 2008. 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: Frankfurt / regulated dealing/prime standard
Berlin / free trade
Stuttgart / free trade
Düsseldorf / free trade
München / free trade