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Speedware Corporation Announces Third Quarter Results
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--
New Focus Results in Significant $3.8 million Improvement in Operating Income
Speedware Corporation (TSE: SPW) announced today the results for the three and nine months ended June 30, 1999. For the nine month period, total revenues rose to $19.7 million from $18.4 million the prior year, producing net income of $1.3 million or $0.15 per common share compared to a loss of $5.5 million or $(0.65) per share the prior year. The increase in total revenues was due primarily to a 14 percent increase in professional services compared to the same period last year.
The nine-month results for fiscal 1998 included a special pre-tax charge to earnings of $2.9 million. Not including this special charge, earnings before income taxes in 1999 improved to $1.3 million from a loss of $2.5 million in 1998, a $3.8 million turnaround.
Cash from operations for the nine-month period grew to $2.5 million from a use of cash of $1.9 million the prior year. The increase in cash is due primarily to improved operating performance, cost controls, and the Company's ability to convert accounts receivable to cash.
For the three-month period ended June 30, 1999, total revenues of $6.2 million produced net earnings of $172,000 or $0.02 per common share compared to a loss of $3.7 million or $(0.44) per share the prior year.
"Speedware has successfully re-focused its two business units and produced four consecutive quarters of profitable growth," commented William Thomson, Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal now is to build on this momentum, capitalizing on the significant opportunities to grow revenues with our installed customer base and in our chosen vertical markets."
Speedware's Business Intelligence initiative has recently been re-introduced to employees and clients with a new focus and a new name. Visonyze.com reflects the Company's commitment to its suite of web-enabled analytical products aimed at the telecommunications and customer support markets. Visonyze.com's mission is to be the eyes into the core competencies of a business, providing a browser-enabled multi-level view that measures, analyzes and delivers information aimed at enhancing business performance.
Speedware's Application Development Tools business has also undergone a dramatic transformation into one that is driven by client needs rather than product development. Growth will come from responding as a systems integrator to the current and emerging requirements of its installed base of some 1,500 loyal clients and levering its position as a preferred partner for software systems running on HP 3000 systems.
"Both initiatives have been well received by our employees, and we are in the process of rolling the new face of Speedware out to our customers," Mr. Thomson concluded. "Going forward, our focus on top-line revenue growth, both in license sales and professional services, will further enhance profitability."
/T/
Financial Highlights:
Three Months Nine Months Period Ended June 30, 1999 1998 1999 1998 (in $,000 except per share amounts) Revenues 6,154 6,029 19,744 18,360 Expenses 5,261 8,954 16,412 21,626 R&D Expenses 713 759 2,059 2,134 Net Earnings 172 (3,713) 1,250 (5,493) Net Earnings per Share 0.02 (0.44) 0.15 (0.65) |