Basware reports solid Purchase-to-Pay growth in 2011

Transaction volume in 2011 grew by 53% to 20.8 million, and recurring revenue accounted for 48.9% of net sales. Basware saw the largest growth in Finland and Scandinavia, with a 4.5% and 8.7% increase in net sales respectively. Maintenance revenue for 2011 increased by 8.9% compared with 2010, accounting for 33.6% of net sales. Professional Services revenue increased by 4.5%, accounting for 31.7% of net sales.

In the fourth quarter, Basware saw a slight growth in net sales to EUR 30 million, a growth of 0.3%. Operating profit in the quarter decreased by 30%, having included the restructuring provision of EUR 1.2 million. Automation Services, including SaaS and e-invoicing grew by 17.9%, with transaction volumes processed within the Automation Services business reaching 6.2 million in Q4. Basware estimates revenue for existing automation services agreements over the next 12 months to be EUR 18.3 million, a growth of 6.2%.

In Q4, license sales decreased by 16.3%, as sales of SEPA (Single European Payments Area) related banking software decreased by 48.5% as the majority of customers had already implemented the SEPA update. Maintenance revenue in Q4 increased by 7.2%, accounting for 31% of net sales.

2011 also saw the launch of a number of new services from Basware, with a new e-invoicing service for consumers for the Finnish market, developed in co-operation with Nordea Bank. Additionally, Basware introduced InvoiceOut, an accounts payable ledger outsourcing service and Catalog Service. Basware will launch its next generation of software and services in the first quarter of 2012. Basware also expects to see a moderate growth in the number of R&D personnel in 2012.

Esa Tihilä, CEO, Basware, comments: “During 2011, we continued to execute on our strategy set out earlier in the year, focusing heavily on developing a services led strategy. During the year, Basware implemented streamlining measures to increase its focus on the service business, as well as supporting opportunities for future investment. Automation services and transaction volumes have shown continuous growth, positively reinforcing Basware’s long-term strategy. Figures are slightly lower compared with Q4 in 2010, as 2010 saw an exceptional number of opening fees for large deals.”

“In 2012, Basware will be undergo a transformation from a software company to a services-led company, which will change our methods, solutions and services. Basware’s ultimate strategic objective is to become the world’s leading e-invoicing solution provider. With the acquisition of a German e-invoicing network, First Businesspost GmbH, in January 2012, we will be able to further enhance our portfolio with innovative technology to benefit to our customers globally.”

Basware expects its net sales to grow from 2011, and operating profit for 2012 is expected to be EUR 8-18 million.

About Basware
Basware is the global leader in purchase-to-pay solutions with more than 1,000,000 users in over 60 countries. The Open Network for e-invoice and purchase message transactions today connects companies globally. With Basware, an organization can reduce the cost of buying and paying for goods and services and gain visibility and control of its entire spending process by automating manual processes, from sourcing, contract management, purchasing and supplier collaboration to invoice automation. Basware solutions and services enable a company to improve its cash position, optimize working capital and maximize the agility of its finance operation across the purchase-to-pay cycle. The solutions are distributed and implemented, either on site or as a service, in Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific through an extensive network of Basware offices and business partners.
www.basware.com