19.02.2013 18:55:00

After an excellent fourth quarter, Axway closes 2012 with total growth of 3.3% (organic growth of -1.6%) and net profit up 15%

Regulatory News:

Axway Software's (Paris:AXW) Board of Directors approved the financial statements for fiscal year 2012 at its meeting of 19th of February, chaired by Pierre Pasquier. The Group recorded an excellent performance in Q4 2012 with organic growth of +10.1% compared with Q4 2011, an upward correction to the trend for the first nine months of the year. In FY 2012:

  • Revenue was up 3.3% to €224.3 million (-1.6% organic growth);
  • Profit on operating activities amounted to €35 million, representing a margin of 15.6% (compared with €35.3 million and 16.3% in 2011);
  • Net profit was €24.7 million, giving a margin of 11.0% (compared with €21.5 million and 9.9% in 2011)
             
    FY 2012   FY 2011   FY 2010
  (in M€)   ( % Rev) (in M€)   ( % Rev) (in M€)   ( % Rev)
Key income statement items                  
Revenue 224.3     217.2     208.4    
Organic growth -1.6%     5.7%     11.8%    
Profit on operating activities 35.0   15.6% 35.3   16.3% 31.1   14.9%
Profit from recurring operations 31.7   14.1% 33.3   15.3% 29.1   14.0%
Other income and expense -2.9     -4.0     -3.6    
Net financial costs and currency impact -0.1     -2.7     -2.0    
Income Taxes -4.0     -5.2     3.0    
Net profit   24.7   11.0%

 

21.5   9.9% 26.6   12.8%
(in €)   (in €)   (in €)  
Basic net earnings per share   1.22     1.20     1.67    

*Using the same number of shares as in 2012 as the basis of calculation for 2011, earnings per share would be €1.06, yielding growth of 15% in EPS 2011-2012.

The Group continued its transformation efforts throughout the year while at the same time turning around its economic position in the fourth quarter. The highlights of 2012 included:

  • Preparation of a major evolution in its software portfolio;
  • Acquisition of Vordel;
  • Strengthened managerial structures;
  • Investments maintained to expand its business model (Cloud and indirect business).

Comments on the business

By type of business (in M€)

                     
FY 2012   2012   2011 Published   2011 Pro Forma   Total Growth   Organic Growth1
         
Licenses 71.4 77.8 84.0 -8.1% -15.0%
Maintenance 98.2 85.0 88.2 15.5% 11.4%
Services   54.7   54.4   55.7   0.4%   -1.8%
Axway 224.3 217.2 227.9 3.3% -1.6%
 

(1) at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation.

Demand was particularly depressed for most of 2012, driving down organic growth in Licences by -15%, compared with 2011. However, this trend was reversed in the fourth quarter leading to an Organic growth for the Licences of a strong +14.1% vs. Q4 2011.

The Group recorded robust growth in its Maintenance business in fiscal year 2012 (over €98 million, up 11.4%), reflecting Axway's firm commitment to building customer loyalty across the board and increasing the average effective maintenance rate.

Services declined slightly for the year as a whole as a direct consequence of the downturn in licences, but rebounded 2.6% in Q4 2012. Services should benefit from new momentum generated by the strong performance in Licenses in the last quarter.

Breakdown by region (in M€)

                     
FY 2012   2012   2011 Published   2011 Pro Forma   Total Growth   Organic Growth1
         
France 75.4 82.0 82.0 -8.0% -8.0%
Rest of Europe 55.6 53.0 56.5 4.9% -1.6%
America's 86.5 76.7 83.1 12.8% 4.1%
Asia/Pacific   6.8   5.5   6.1   24.2%   10.3%
Axway 224.3 217.2 227.9 3.3% -1.6%
 

(1) at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation

Growth in Axway's revenue in FY 2012 was contrasted, reflecting differing regional realities. In the United States, revenue increased throughout the year, with 25% growth in the fourth quarter. This demonstrates the resilience of our portfolios in terms of both quantity and quality. The economic environment in Europe was more challenging in 2012 (especially in France), reflected in the slight decline in Axway's business in this region. Nonetheless, the fourth quarter of 2012 saw the Group finalise a number of contracts (on hold since the start of the year), generating organic growth of +1.4% year-on-years. This Q4 2012 rebound was particularly marked in France (+9.8% compared with Q4 2011).

Financial position

Axway had very robust financials position at 31 December 2012, with a net debt of €6,7 million and equity totalling €233,9 million.

The Vordel acquisition was financed through a part of the bank credit line and leaves Axway with a very reasonable debt level (€40 million) at 31 December 2012.

Although affected by the overall fall in licence revenues, the operating profit margin was 15.6% (vs. 16.3% in 2011). This solid result reflects the robustness of the Axway business model, while maintaining the investments required to maintain its competitive edge - which remains intact and is a key growth driver. Net profit at 31 December 2012 was €24.7 million (11% of net margin), up from €21.5 million in 2011(9.9% of net margin).

Headcount

Axway employed 1,774 people at 31 December 2012 (629 in France and 1,145 in other countries), an increase of 19 employees from the previous year's headcount.

Throughout fiscal year 2012, Axway beefed up its management teams through a drive to recruit top managers. These strategic hires constitute a major advantage for Axway as it pursues its development plan.

Cash dividend

The Board of Directors of Axway will propose, at the next General Shareholders Assembly, the distribution of €0.35 dividend per share for the financial year 2012, totalling €7,112,363.30.

Strategy

Axway reaffirms that the implementation of infrastructures to govern data flows remains critical to ensuring agile and efficient information systems. Axway confirms the relevance of its approach of providing leading technology solutions to large enterprises and their ecosystem. The company has maintained investment levels to prepare for a major development in its product line, and finalised the acquisition of Vordel, a deal that delivers additional growth drivers (governance of Cloud and mobile data flows).

To reach its market leadership objective, Axway deploys its development strategies based on the following structural priorities:

  • Reinforce its 'specialist' positioning, focusing exclusively on 'governance of data flows';
  • Continually improve its technological platform to remain the leading infrastructure for large enterprises in the long term;
  • Intensify the vertical approach (by economic sector) to reinforce the focus on key accounts.

Outlook

During 2012, the Group demonstrated the strong resilience of its model and continued to commit the investments required for the successful completion of its medium term goal. 2012 was a transformative year on many fronts.

Nonetheless, uncertainty continues to cloud the economic outlook in the main geographical markets (in France for example) and verticals (financial services especially). Demand remains crucial to achieving growth, particularly in the Licences segment. Confident in its medium-term outlook, the Group must however take the particular seasonal component of its business into account, where the fourth quarter plays a critical role in the company's overall full-year performance.

Accordingly, Axway's target for FY 2013 is to deliver positive organic growth and to maintain its operating margin.

Breakdown of revenue by quarter - Breakdown by region

m€                    

1st Quarter

 

2012

 

2011 Published

 

2011 Pro Forma

 

Total Growth

 

Organic Growth1

         
France 15.7 17.5 17.5 -10.4% -10.4%
Rest of Europe 12.7 11.6 11.8 9.6% 8.0%
America's 16.3 17.0 17.4 -4.2% -6.2%
Asia/Pacific   1.2   1.2   1.3   5.7%   -4.4%
Axway 46.0 47.3 48.0 -2.9% -4.3%
                     
2nd Quarter 2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma Total Growth Organic Growth1
         
France 16.9 22.6 22.6 -25.5% -25.5%
Rest of Europe 12.4 11.7 12.2 5.6% 1.2%
America's 21.7 17.0 18.6 27.6% 17.0%
Asia/Pacific   1.4   1.4   1.6   2.9%   -10.1%
Axway 52.4 52.7 55.0 -0.6% -4.7%
                     
3rd Quarter 2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma Total Growth Organic Growth1
         
France 16.7 18.0 18.0 -7.4% -7.4%
Rest of Europe 11.6 11.9 12.0 -2.5% -3.0%
America's 20.8 22.4 25.1 -6.8% -16.8%
Asia/Pacific   1.6   1.3   1.5   23.1%   4.0%
Axway 50.7 53.6 56.6 -5.4% -10.3%
                     
4th Quarter 2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma   Total Growth Organic Growth1
         
France 26.2 23.9 23.9 9.8% 9.8%
Rest of Europe 18.9 17.9 20.6 5.6% -8.3%
America's 27.6 20.3 22.1 35.8% 25.0%
Asia/Pacific   2.5   1.6   1.7   57.8%   45.5%
Axway 75.2 63.7 68.3 18.1% 10.1%
 

(1) at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation.

Breakdown of revenue by quarter - By type of business (in M€)

                     
1st Quarter   2012   2011 Published   2011 Pro Forma   Total

Growth

  Organic Growth1
         
Licenses 9.4 13.6 13.9 -31.0% -32.5%
Maintenance 23.2 20.4 20.8 13.8% 11.8%
Services   13.4   13.3   13.4   0.2%   -0.1%
46.0 47.3 48.0 -2.9% -4.3%
                     
2nd Quarter 2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma Total

Growth

Organic Growth1
         
Licenses 15.2 18.3 19.1 -17.1% -20.5%
Maintenance 23.9 20.3 21.4 17.8% 11.6%
Services   13.3   14.1   14.4   -5.8%   -7.8%
Axway 52.4 52.7 55.0 -0.6% -4.7%
                     
3rd Quarter 2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma Total

Growth

Organic Growth1
         
Licenses 12.6 19.7 21.0 -35.9% -39.9%
Maintenance 24.9 20.8 22.2 19.9% 12.4%
Services   13.2   13.1   13.4   0.4%   -1.7%
50.7 53.6 56.6 -5.4% -10.3%
                     
4th Quarter

 

2012 2011 Published 2011 Pro Forma Total

Growth

Organic Growth1
         
Licenses 34.2 26.2 30.0 30.8% 14.1%
Maintenance 26.1 23.5 23.8 11.0% 9.7%
Services   14.9   14.0   14.5   6.2%   2.6%
75.2 63.7 68.3 18.1% 10.1%
 

(1) at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation.

Income Statement      
 
(in thousands of euros) FY 2012 FY 2011 FY 2010
Revenue :
License 71,435 77,762 77,948
Maintenance 98,205 85,037 78,578
Total Product Revenue 169,640 162,799 156,526
Services 54,680 54,445 51,895
Total Revenue : 224,320 217,244 208,421
 
Costs of sales:
Product Revenue 20,653 19,929 22,076
Services 51,070 49,285 46,354
Total Costs of sales : 71,723 69,214 68,430
 
Gross profit: 152,597 148,030 139,991
as a % of Revenue 68.0% 68.1% 67.2%
Operating expenses :
Sales and marketing 64,077 61,528 57,923
Research and development 32,508 32,079 32,662
General and administrative 21,046 19,120 18,321
Total operating expenses : 117,631 112,727 108,906
Profit on operating activities 34,966 35,303 31,085
as a % of Revenue 15.6% 16.3% 14.9%
 
Stock option related expenses (1,147) (146) -
Amortization of intangible assets (2,130) (1,858) (1,944)
Profit from recurring operations 31,689 33,299 29,141
as a % of Revenue 14.1% 15.3% 14.0%
 
Other income and expenses (2,940) (3,967) (3,583)
Operating profit 28,750 29,332 25,558
 
Cost of net financial debt (51) (1,633) (1,715)
Other financial revenues and expenses (63) (1,034) (296)
Income taxes (3,976) (5,208) 3,046
Net Profit 24,660

 

21,457

 

26,596
as a % of Revenue 11.0% 9.9% 12.8%
Simplified Balance Sheet      
             
31/12/2012 31/12/2011 31/12/2010
    (in €m)   (in €m)   (in €m)
ASSETS
Goodwill 196.6 169.6 165.7
Intangible assets 31.0 19.4 20.8
Property, plant and equipment 6.3 4.9 3.5
Other non-current assets 18.4 15.3 18.6
Non-current assets 252.3 209.2 208.6
 
Trade receivables 72.2 57.1 65.8
Other current assets 17.0 13.8 11.6
Cash and cash equivalents 35.4 23.8   22.4
Current assets 124.6 95.3 99.8
     
TOTAL ASSETS 376.9 304.5 308.4
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Share capital 40.6 40.3 75.6
Capital reserves and results 193.3 173.1 72.5
Total shareholders' equity 233.9 213.4 148.1
 
Financial debt - long-term portion 36.9 2.0 70.2
Other non-current liabilities 16.2 14.6 17.5
Non-current liabilities 53.1 16.6 87.7
 
Financial debt - short-term portion 5.3 0.5 0.4
Other current liabilities 84.6 74.0 72.3
Current liabilities 89.9 74.5 72.7
TOTAL LIABILITIES 143.0 91.1 160.3
     
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 376.9 304.5 308.4

Financial calendar

  • Wednesday, 20th of February 2013: Axway annual results analysts' conference, 14:30, Pavillon Kléber, Paris
  • Wednesday, 17th of April 2013: Publication of Q1 2103 results

Disclaimer

This document is a free translation into English of the original French press release. It is not a binding document. In the event of a conflict in interpretation, reference should be made to the French version, which is the authentic text.

The forecasts in this document are contingent upon risks and uncertainties as to the society future growth and profitability. Readers are reminded that licence agreements, which often represent investments for our clients, are more significant in the second half of the year, and may therefore, have a more or less favourable impact on full-year performance.

The outcome of events or actual results may differ from those described in this document as a result of various risks and uncertainties set out in the 2011 Registration Document submitted to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers on 27 April 2012.

The distribution of this press release may be subject to laws and regulations in force. Natural persons present in such countries and those in which this press release is disseminated, published or distributed should obtain information about such restrictions and comply with them.

About Axway

Axway (NYSE Euronext: AXW.PA), a market leader in governing the flow of data, is a global software company with more than 11,000 public- and private-sector customers in 100 countries. For more than a decade, Axway has empowered leading organizations around the world with proven solutions that help manage business-critical interactions through the exchange of data flowing across the enterprise, among B2B communities, cloud and mobile devices. Our award-winning solutions span business-to-business integration, managed file transfer, API and identity management, and email security– offered on premise and in the Cloud with professional and managed services.

Axway is registered in France with headquarters in the United States and offices in 22 countries. More information is available at www.axway.com.

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