QPR Software Interim Report January - March 2020


QPR SOFTWARE STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, APRIL 28, 2020 AT 9:00 AM


International net sales increased by 13%, driven by software sales

January - March 2020

  • Net sales increased to EUR 2,789 thousand (January – March 2019: 2,748).
  • International net sales increased by 13%, driven by software license sales.
  • International net sales represented 50% of Group net sales (45).
  • EBITDA was EUR 390 thousand (497).
  • Subcontracting and personnel expenses, as well as recruiting and marketing expenses increased in line with strategy.
  • Operating result (EBIT) EUR 45 thousand (187).
  • EBIT 2% of net sales (7).
  • Result before taxes EUR 36 thousand (167).
  • Earnings per share EUR 0.001 (0.012).


Business operations

QPR Software´s mission is to make customers agile and efficient in their operations. We innovate, develop, and sell software aimed at analyzing, monitoring, and modeling operations in organizations. Furthermore, we offer customers consulting services related to our software.


OUTLOOK

Operating environment and market outlook

In recent years, QPR Software has made significant investments in developing the Company´s process mining software, as well as in renewing the user interfaces of its software products. The Company estimates that the demand for process mining software and related services will continue to grow rapidly over the course of 2020.

In developed markets, we expect the competition for process and enterprise architecture modeling software, as well as for performance management software to remain tight. However, there is still growth potential for these products in emerging markets, especially for performance management software.

Outlook for 2020

Despite the apparent negative effects to its business due to corona virus pandemic, QPR does not change its outlook for 2020, published on February 27, 2020. Based on current information, we estimate that the pandemic will have negative effects on our business mainly on the second and third quarter of this year.                

In the first quarter, the effects of coronavirus pandemic were relatively limited. We saw negative effects of the pandemic mainly in private sector consulting business. Furthermore, there were delays in software purchases and decisions started to take longer time than usually.

Outlook published on February 27, 2020 remains intact

Based on actual sales performance in early 2020 and current sales funnel, QPR expects net sales to grow in 2020 (2019: EUR 9,513 thousand). The most significant sources of growth are international process mining and performance management software sales and deliveries. Operating result (EBIT) is estimated to be negative (2019: -213 thousand) due to planned increase in European sales personnel and growth investments in software products. EBITDA is expected to be positive (2019: EUR 1,036 thousand).

Mid-term financial targets

The Company´s mid-term target in 2020 – 2022 is to grow net sales by an average of 15 – 20% per annum. The target is mainly based on international net sales growth in process mining, where we target an annual growth of over 50%.


KEY FIGURES    
     
EUR in thousands,
unless otherwise indicated
Jan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
     
Net sales2,7892,74819,513
EBITDA390497-221,036
 % of net sales14.018.1 10.9
Operating result45187-76-213
 % of net sales1.66.8 -2.2
Result before tax36167-78-240
Result for the period11141-92-161
 % of net sales0.45.1 -1.7
     
Earnings per share, EUR
(basic and diluted)
0.0010.012-92-0.013
Equity per share, EUR0.2240.242-70.222
     
Cash flow from operating
activities
4091,010-601,349
Cash and cash equivalents5721,204-531,035
Net borrowings-343-711-52-251
Gearing, %-12.3-23.6-48-9.1
Equity ratio, %51.453.2-344.5
Return on equity, %1.619.1-92-5.7
Return on investment, %7.124.1-71-5.9


REPORTING                                                                  

QPR Software innovates, develops, sells and delivers software and services in international markets aimed at facilitating operational development in organizations. QPR Software reports one operating segment: Operational development of organizations. In addition to this, the Company reports revenue from products and services as follows: Software licenses, Renewable software licenses, Software maintenance services, Cloud services and Consulting.

Recurring revenue reported by the Company consists of Software maintenance services and Cloud services. In addition, recurring revenue includes Renewable software licenses.

Software licenses are sold to customers for perpetual use or for an agreed, limited period. Renewable software licenses are sold to customers as a user right with an indefinite duration. These contracts are automatically renewed at the end of the agreed period, usually one year, unless the agreement is terminated within notice period. Renewable license revenue is recognized at one point in time, in the beginning of the invoicing period.

Geographical areas reported are Finland, the rest of Europe (including Russia and Turkey), and the rest of the world. Net sales are reported according to the customer´s headquarter location.


REVIEW BY THE CEO

The most important target for us this year is to grow our international software business. Our recent investments into process mining software development and into renewal of all user interfaces of our software products have significantly strengthened our competitiveness in international software markets. After these investments we now focus on growing of our international direct sales and building new strategic partnerships.

We are currently increasing sales resources in European key markets, such as the United Kingdom and France. We have already acquired the first significant reference customers in these markets, and now is the right time to add sales resources. We continue to strengthen also our product development resources this year. Great user experience, high performance and excellent cloud service scalability remain our priorities.

Our personnel has, for the time being, moved almost fully into remote work due to coronavirus pandemic. This transition has been very smooth. The results of our product development are excellent and we have been able to proceed as planned. The deliveries of software have generally proceeded well and without delays. Most of the effects arising from the lock-down caused by the pandemic we have seen in sales and consulting, but together with our customers we have been able to find new and well working methods also in these functions. For this, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to our team and customers.

Jari Jaakkola
CEO


NET SALES DEVELOPMENT

January – March 2020

Net sales in the first quarter increased to EUR 2,789 thousand (2,748). The share of recurring revenue was 47% of net sales (53).

New software license net sales amounted to EUR 587 thousand (491) and grew by 20 %, due to increase in international sales. Renewable software license net sales decreased to EUR 487 thousand (543), due to lower sales in Finland and in international channel sales.

Software maintenance net sales were EUR 571 thousand (644), and decreased by 11% mainly due to decrease in international channel sales. Currency exchange rate changes had a negative impact on software maintenance net sales.                                         

Cloud services net sales amounted to EUR 263 thousand (264). Cloud net sales of our process mining product increased, but cloud net sales of other products decreased. Consulting net sales amounted to EUR 880 thousand (806) and increased by 9%.

International net sales increased by 13%, but net sales in Finland decreased by 8%. Of the Group net sales, 50% (55) derived from Finland, 26% (33) from the rest of Europe (including Russia and Turkey) and 24% (12) from the rest of the world.

 

NET SALES BY PRODUCT GROUP
  
     
EUR in thousandsJan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
     
Software licenses587491201,552
Renewable software licenses487543-101,102
Software maintenance services571644-112,731
Cloud services26326401,068
Consulting88080693,061
Total2,7892,74819,513
     
NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA  
     
EUR in thousandsJan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
     
Finland1,3891,506-84,863
Europe incl. Russia and Turkey733906-192,965
Rest of the world667336991,686
Total2,7892,74819,513


FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

January – March 2020

The Group´s operating result was EUR 45 thousand (187) and represented 2% of net sales (7). The decrease in operating result was mainly due to increase in subcontracting and personnel expenses, as well in recruitment and marketing expenses. Personnel expenses increased to EUR 1,739 thousand (1,693) and represented 76% of fixed costs.  

The Group´s fixed costs in the reporting period were EUR 2,304 thousand (2,299).

Result before taxes was EUR 36 thousand (167) and result for the period was EUR 11 thousand (141). Taxes recorded for the period were EUR 25 thousand (26) and earnings per share (basic and fully diluted) were EUR 0.001 (0.012).


FINANCE AND INVESTMENTS

Cash flow from operating activities was EUR 409 thousand (1,010). Decrease in cash flow was mainly due to an increase in operative working capital. Working capital increased mainly due to later invoicing of recurring revenue than in the previous year. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period were EUR 572 thousand (1,204).

Net financial expenses were EUR 9 thousand (20) and included currency exchange losses of EUR 4 thousand (19).

Investments totaled EUR 278 thousand (240) and were mainly product development expenditure.

The Group´s financial position is strong and it had no long-term interest-bearing bank loans at the end of the reporting period. The gearing ratio was -12% (-24).  At the end of the quarter, the equity ratio was 51% (53).


PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

QPR innovates and develops software products that analyze, measure and model operations in organizations. The Company develops the following software products: QPR ProcessAnalyzer, QPR EnterpriseArchitect, QPR ProcessDesigner, and QPR Metrics.

In the first quarter product development expenses were EUR 579 thousand (584). Product development expenses worth EUR 231 thousand (169) were capitalized. The amortization of capitalized product development expenses was EUR 226 thousand (203). The amortization period for capitalized product development expenses is four years.


PERSONNEL

At the end of the reporting period, the Group employed a total of 82 persons (83). The average number of personnel during the reporting was 83 (84).

The average age of employees is 42.1 (41.8) years. Women account for 21% (23) of employees, men for 79% (77). 17% (17) work in sales and marketing, 44% (41) in consulting and customer care, 30% (32) in product development, and 9% (10) in administration.

For incentive purposes, the Company has a bonus program that covers all employees. Short term remuneration of the top management consists of salary, fringe benefits, and a possible annual bonus based mainly on the Group and business unit net sales performance. Furthermore, the Company launched a key employee stock option plan in 2019.


STRATEGY

Our target is to grow our net sales by an average of 15 – 20% per annum over the next three years. The target is mainly based on international net sales growth in process mining, where we target annual growth of over 50%.

We innovate, develop and sell software and related services aimed at analyzing, measuring and modeling operations in organizations. Furthermore, we offer customers consulting services in operational development and digital business optimization.

We will further accelerate product development by increasing our resources in a controlled manner. In software development, we place special focus on excellent user experience. We focus our product development to meet the challenges our client organizations face, especially in leading and developing their operations in a digitalizing world. A special focus area for development is process mining.

In the next few years, we seek growth especially in our international software sales. To reach this target, we will continue to increase our resources and investments in international marketing and sales.

We also actively seek strategic partnerships to strengthen our international software sales and product development.

 

SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS
   
     
Trading of sharesJan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
     
Shares traded, pcs253,097226,487121,091,153
Volume, EUR546,999393,368392,229,163
% of shares2.11.9 9.1
Average trading price, EUR2.161.74242.04
     
Shares and market capitalizationMar 31,
2020
Mar 31,
2019
Change,
%
Dec 31,
2019
     
Total number of shares, pcs12,444,86312,444,863-12,444,863
Treasury shares, pcs457,009457,009-457,009
Book counter value, EUR0.110.11-0.11
Outstanding shares, pcs11,987,85411,987,854-11,987,854
Number of shareholders1,1671,12931,146
Closing price, EUR1.932.08-72.34
Market capitalization, EUR23,136,55824,934,736-728,051,578
Book counter value of all treasury
shares, EUR
50,27150,271-50,271
Total purchase value of all treasury
shares, EUR
439,307439,307-439,307
Treasury shares, % of all shares3.73.7-3.7


GOVERNANCE

QPR Software gave notice to its shareholders in February 2020 that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 7 April, 2020 starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Company's headquarters. In March, the Company decided to cancel the AGM due to coronavirus pandemic and announced that it will convene the AGM at a later stage as soon as it is practically possible to organize the meeting.

The Board of Directors consists of four (4) members. The members are Vesa-Pekka Leskinen (Chairman), Topi Piela, Jarmo Rajala and Salla Vainio. The term of office of the members of the Board of Directors expires at the end of the next Annual General Meeting.

All authorizations of the Board and other decisions made by the previous Annual General Meeting are available in their entirety on the stock exchange release published by the Company on April 4, 2019, and available in the Investors section of the Company's website, https://www.qpr.com/investors/stock-exchange-and-press-releases.


EVENTS AFTER THE REVIEW PERIOD

The Company has no significant events after the review period to report.


SHORT-TERM RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Internal control and risk management at QPR Software aims to ensure that the Company operates efficiently and effectively, distributes reliable information, complies with regulations and operational principles, reaches its strategic goals, reacts to changes in the market and operational environment, and ensures the continuity of its business.

QPR has identified the following three groups of risks related to its operations: risks related to business operations (country, customer, personnel, legal), risks related to information and products (QPR products, IPR, data security) and risks related to financing (foreign currency, short-term cash flow). The Company has an insurance policy covering property, operational and liability risks.

Financial risks include reasonable credit risk concerning individual business partners, which is characteristic of any international business. QPR seeks to limit this credit risk by continuously monitoring standard payment terms, receivables and credit limits.

Approximately 52% of the Group’s trade receivables were in euro at the end of the quarter (61). At the end of the quarter, the Company had not hedged its non-euro trade receivables.

Risks and risk management practices related to the Company’s business are further described in the Annual Report 2019, pages 24-25 (https://www.qpr.com/investors/financial-information/annual-reports)


FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In 2020, QPR Software Plc will publish its financial information, in Finnish and English, as follows:

Half-year Financial Report 1-6/2020: Thursday, July 30, 2020
Interim Report 1-9/2020: Tuesday, October 27, 2020


QPR SOFTWARE PLC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Further information:

Jari Jaakkola, CEO, Tel. +358 (0) 40 5026 397

DISTRIBUTION:

NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Main Media

Neither this press release nor any copy of it may be taken, transmitted or distributed, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America or its territories or possessions.


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT 
     
EUR in thousands, unless
otherwise indicated
Jan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
     
Net sales2,7892,74819,513
Other operating income -- 0
     
Materials and services440263681,143
Employee benefit expenses1,7391,69336,455
Other operating expenses220296-26878
EBITDA390497-221,036
     
Depreciation and amortization345310111,250
Operating result45187-76-213
     
Financial income and expenses-9-2055-26
Result before tax36167-78-240
     
Income taxes-25-26378
Result for the period11141-92-161
     
     
Earnings per share, EUR
(basic and diluted)
0.0010.012-92-0.013
     
Consolidated statement of
comprehensive income:
    
 Result for the period11141-92-161
Other items in comprehensive
income that may be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss:
    
 Exchange differences on
 translating foreign operations
118-5
Total comprehensive income12141-92-166



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET  
         
EUR in thousands Mar 31,
2020
Mar 31,
2019
Change,
%
Dec 31,
2019
       
Assets      
       
Non-current assets:      
 Intangible assets 2,022 1,842 10 2,044
 Goodwill 513 513 0 513
 Tangible assets 327 597 -45 371
 Other non-current assets 62 62 0 141
Total non-current assets 2,923 3,013 -3 3,068
       
Current assets:      
 Trade and other receivables 2,698 2,740 -2 2,904
 Cash and cash equivalents 572 1,204 -53 1,035
Total current assets 3,270 3,944 -17 3,939
       
Total assets 6,193 6,958 -11 7,007
       
Equity and liabilities      
       
Equity:      
 Share capital 1,359 1,359 0 1,359
 Other funds 21 21 0 21
 Treasury shares -439 -439 0 -439
 Translation differences -65 -60 8 -66
 Invested non-restricted equity fund 5 5 0 5
 Retained earnings 1,907 2,128 -10 1,882
Equity attributable to shareholders of
the parent company
2,788 3,014 -7 2,762
Non-controlling interests - - - -
Total equity 2,788 3,014 -7 2,873
       
Non-current liabilities:      
 Interest-bearing liabilities - 213   -
Total non-current liabilities - 213   -
       
Current liabilities:      
 Interest-bearing liabilities 229 280 -18 784
 Advances received 766 1,292 -41 800
 Accrued expenses and prepaid income 1,853 1,610 15 2,083
 Trade and other payables 556 549 1 579
Total current liabilities 3,405 3,730 -9 4,245
       
Total liabilities 3,405 3,943 -14 4,245
       
Total equity and liabilities 6,193 6,958 -11 7,007



CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENT   
         
EUR in thousands Jan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Change,
%
Jan-Dec,
2019
       
Cash flow from operating activities:      
 Result for the period 11 141 -92 -161
 Adjustments to the result 389 359 8 1,250
 Working capital changes 23 546 -96 306
 Interest and other financial
 expenses paid
-22 -24 -10 -51
 Interest and other financial
 income received
13 6 114 25
 Income taxes paid -5 -17 -69 -18
Net cash from operating activities 409 1,010 -60 1,349
       
Cash flow from investing activities:      
 Purchases of tangible and
 intangible assets
-301 -240 25 -1,041
Net cash used in investing activities -301 -240 25 -1,041
       
Cash flow from financing activities:      
 Proceeds from short term
 borrowings
- -   500
 Repayments of short term
 borrowings
-576 -69 734 -278
 Dividends paid - 0   0
Net cash used in financing activities -576 -69 734 222
       
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
-468 700 -167 530
Cash and cash equivalents
at the beginning of the period
1,035 505 105 505
Effects of exchange rate changes
on cash and cash equivalents
5 -1 450 0
Cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the period
572 1,204 -53 1,035



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  
               
EUR in thousands Share
capital
Other
funds
Translation
differences
Treasury
shares
Invested non-
restricted
equity fund
Retained
earnings
Total
Equity Jan 1, 2019 1,359 21 -61 -439 5 1,987 2,873
Comprehensive income    1    141 141
Equity Mar 31, 2019 1,359 21 -60 -439 5 2,128 3,014
Dividends paid       0 0
Repurchase of shares       56 56
Comprehensive income     -6     -302 -308
Equity Dec 31, 2019 1,359 21 -66 -439 5 1,882 2,762
Stock option plan      14 14
Comprehensive income     1     11 12
Equity Mar 31, 2019 1,359 21 -65 -439 5 1,907 2,788


NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

This report complies with requirements of IAS 34 ”Interim Financial Reporting”. Starting from the beginning of 2020, the Group has applied certain new or revised IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations, as described in the Consolidated Financial Statements 2019. The implementation of these new and revised requirements has not impacted the reported figures. For all other parts, the accounting principles and methods are the same as they were in the 2019 financial statements.

When preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future and to consider the appropriate application of accounting principles, which means that actual results may differ from those estimated.

All amounts presented in this report are consolidated figures, unless otherwise noted. The amounts presented in the report are rounded, so the sum of individual figures may differ from the sum reported. This report is unaudited.


INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE ASSETS  
       
EUR in thousands Jan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Jan-Dec,
2019
      
Increase in intangible assets:     
 Acquisition cost Jan 1 11,159 10,057 10,057
 Increase 228 232 1,102
      
Increase in tangible assets:     
 Acquisition cost Jan 1 2,487 2,433 2,433
 Increase 50 8 54
    
    
CHANGE IN INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
       
EUR in thousands Jan-Mar,
2020
Jan-Mar,
2019
Jan-Dec,
2019
      
Interest-bearing liabilities Jan 1 784 562 562
Proceeds from short term borrowings 21 - 500
Repayments 576 69 278
Interest-bearing liabilities Mar 31 229 493 784


PLEDGES AND COMMITMENTS    
         
EUR in thousands Mar 31,
2020
Mar 31,
2019
Dec 31,
2019
Change,
%
       
Business mortgages (held by the Company) 2,382 1,385 1,385 72
       
Minimum lease payments based on lease agreements:      
 Maturing in less than one year 8 7 17 -51
 Maturing in 1-5 years 14 8 0  
Total 22 15 17 30
       
Total pledges and commitments 2,404 1,401 1,402 71


CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT BY QUARTER
           
EUR in thousands Q1
2020
Q4
2019
Q3
2019
Q2
2019
Q1
2019
        
Net sales 2,789 2,499 1,981 2,285 2,748
Other operating income - 0 - 0 -
        
Materials and services 440 379 243 260 263
Employee benefit expenses 1,739 1,743 1,375 1,644 1,693
Other operating expenses 220 178 175 228 296
EBITDA 390 199 188 153 497
        
Depreciation and amortization 345 322 307 310 310
Operating result 45 -123 -119 -158 187
        
Financial income and expenses -9 -3 3 -6 -20
Result before tax 36 -126 -116 -164 167
        
Income taxes -25 7 31 66 -26
Result for the period 11 -119 -85 -98 141


GROUP KEY FIGURES    
       
EUR in thousands, unless
otherwise indicated
Jan-Mar or
Mar 31, 2020
Jan-Mar or
Mar 31, 2019
Jan-Dec or
Dec 31, 2019
      
Net sales 2,789 2,748 9,513
Net sales growth, % 1.5 -4.6 -5.3
EBITDA 390 497 1,036
 % of net sales 14.0 18.1 10.9
Operating result 45 187 -213
 % of net sales 1.6 6.8 -2.2
Result before tax 36 167 -240
 % of net sales 1.3 6.1 -2.5
Result for the period 11 141 -161
 % of net sales 0.4 5.1 -1.7
      
Return on equity (per annum), % 1.6 19.1 -5.7
Return on investment (per annum), % 7.1 24.1 -5.9
Cash and cash equivalents 572 1,204 1,035
Net borrowings -343 -711 -251
Equity 2,788 3,014 2,762
Gearing, % -12.3 -23.6 -9.1
Equity ratio, % 51.4 53.2 44.5
Total balance sheet 6,193 6,958 7,007
      
Investments in non-current assets 278 240 1,156
 % of net sales 10.0 8.7 12.2
Product development expenses 579 584 2,293
 % of net sales 20.8 21.2 24.1
      
Average number of personnel 83 84 82
Personnel at the beginning of period 83 84 84
Personnel at the end of period 82 83 83
      
Earnings per share, EUR
(basic and diluted)
0.001 0.012 -0.013
Equity per share, EUR 0.224 0.242 0.222