"I am proud of the progress of our company and the performance of our employees," said Frank Gotthardt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "The progress we have made, in particular during the past two quarters, demonstrates that we are successfully managing and continuing our growth by focusing on our core business. This inspires all of us for 2010." With approximately 2,800 employees in 18 different countries, CompuGROUP develops intelligent software for private practice physicians, dentists, hospitals and consumers, as well as the most effective and most secure connectivity solutions for all participants in the healthcare system.
In Germany alone, approximately one out of two private practice physicians uses CompuGROUP systems and there are approximately 326,000 users worldwide. In addition, intelligent CompuGROUP products utilize this extensive coverage to support physicians and treatment teams in finding even better diagnostic and treatment options for their patients during their daily clinical routine. This is an innovative product and solution spectrum with enormous potential for further development. In the fourth quarter of 2009, this amounted to revenue of 84.4 million euros. This is an increase of 19% compared to the same period last year. Christian Teig, CompuGROUP CFO, could also announce an increase of 46% to 17.9 million euros in fourth quarter operating profit. "We were able to expand our position as a market leader in many sectors, in a difficult economic environment. For our shareholders, this translates to a cash net income of 0.74 euros per share for 2009. Not many companies are able to present such a result to their shareholders during these tough economic times. We take great pride in that."
CompuGROUP expects revenue between 315 and 330 million euros for 2010 and operating profit (EBITDA) between 67 and 73 million euros. Aside from the company's ambitious growth goals, Frank Gotthardt sees a particular potential for savings in the healthcare system, which could be achieved through increased efficiency with the use of CompuGROUP products. "We are going on the assumption that "more health" and "more efficiency" can be achieved in this area with the use of our software solutions. These effects could be in the range of as much as 15% of all healthcare spending. Since the patients feel better as a result, one could also argue: More health - fewer expenses. We are working toward this goal so we can participate in these improvements, achieved through our solutions for medical workflow and decision support. That is my vision - and not just for 2010."