The Scotsman

Multi-million US deal for Craneware

● Capital firm also highlights record sales performanc­e in trading update

- By SCOTT REID sreid@scotsman.com

Craneware, the Edinburghb­ased software specialist focused on the US healthcare market, has unveiled a further “significan­t” contract win and flagged a record annual sales performanc­e.

Releasing a trading update ahead of its full-year results, the firm said it had signed a contract with a large hospital network in the eastern US. From this October, the Scottish company’s technology will be rolled out to 12 facilities under the new agreement.

Craneware said the contract was expected to deliver “in excess of ” $6 million (£4.5m) of revenue over its initial fiveyear term.

In its update, covering the year to the end of June, the group pointed to a “continued outstandin­g performanc­e” as it pushes ahead with its growth strategy.

It highlighte­d strong underlying new sales growth of about 100 per cent, including the latest contract, signed at the end of the period under review.

Craneware added: “Renewals by dollar value have continued at over 100 per cent in the

0 The Edinburgh-based group is headed by chief executive Keith Neilson

KEITH NEILSON, CEO

period. In accordance with the company’s revenue recognitio­n policy, the majority of the revenue resulting from both new and renewal sales successes will be recognised over future periods, adding significan­tly to the accelerati­on of the group’s long-term visibility of revenue under contract.”

In addition to the record sales performanc­e, the firm expects to report increases of about 16 per cent in overall revenue and 20 per cent in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciati­on and amortisati­on

(Ebitda) – or underlying earnings – for the year to 30 June, extending the run of organic double-digit growth.

Having returned $15m to shareholde­rs and invested a further $4m in its employee benefit trust during the year, the group’s cash conversion has resulted in the cash balances returning to similar levels to those seen at the end of the previous financial year – $53m.

Chief executive Keith Neilson told investors: “These record results demonstrat­e the ongoing momentum we are seeing across all strata of hospitals including large and complex health systems as they embrace the realities of value-based economics within healthcare.

“The strength of our solutions and the value they deliver to our customers, allows us to support our customers as they address the challenges resulting from the continued evolution of the US healthcare market.

“We are playing an increasing­ly strategic role in assisting healthcare providers to deliver better healthcare through sustainabl­e financial performanc­e, whilst mitigating operationa­l and compliance risks.

“These factors combined with our financial strength and high levels of visible revenue for future years, gives management confidence in its continuing ability to deliver increasing stakeholde­r value year on year whilst investing in our future,” he added.

Founded in 1999, Craneware is headquarte­red in the Scottish capital, with offices in Atlanta and Pittsburgh, employingm­orethan300­staff in total.

The company, which reports in US dollars as a result of its focus on the US healthcare sector, is due to announce its full-year results on 4 September.

“These record results demonstrat­e the ongoing momentum we are seeing across all strata of hospitals”

 ?? PICTURE: NEIL HANNA ??
PICTURE: NEIL HANNA

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