Fourth Quarter Highlights

• Reported revenue grows 15 percent
• Gross profit increases 14 percent
• EBITDA up 30 percent
• Net income increases 29 percent.  Adjusted net earnings per diluted share grows 50 percent

2012 Full Year Highlights

• Net income increases 25 percent.  Adjusted net earnings per diluted share increases 14 percent to $1.37 per diluted share
• Gross profit up 10 percent

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Softchoice Corporation (TSX: SO), a North American provider of technology solutions and services, today reported earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012.

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2012, Softchoice reported net income of US$8.4 million compared to US$6.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Eliminating the impact of certain non-cash foreign exchange gains and losses, and an adjustment resulting from the retroactive change to Canadian tax legislation, adjusted net income grew 50 percent in the period, increasing to US$9.5 million, or US$0.48 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of US$6.3 million, or US$0.32 per diluted share recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Fourth quarter revenue grew 15 percent to US$308.7 million. The Company's Services business grew 65 percent compared to the same quarter in the prior year, bolstered by the additive impact of the acquisition of Unis Lumin. Sales of Enterprise Software, Servers, Storage and Networking solutions also made steady gains in the period, increasing 33 percent for the quarter while sales of Microsoft grew by 10 percent. Fourth quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") margin increased 63 basis points to 5.4 percent.

"Our focus on delivering high-value solutions and services to our clients and expanding our reach within the small and medium-size business segment resulted in strong net income growth in the quarter," said David MacDonald, President and CEO of Softchoice.  "Moreover, the solid growth in EBITDA reflects the leverage our operating model is delivering to our business as we benefit from the integration of UNIS LUMIN, major upgrades to our internal CRM system and strong execution on the part of our field sales organization."

On a full year basis, Softchoice reported net income of US$27.7 million or US$1.37 per diluted share. On an adjusted basis, earnings amounted to US$27.5 million or US$1.37 per diluted share, representing an earnings increase of 15 percent compared to the US$23.9 million or US$1.20 per diluted share reported for fiscal year 2011.

"The fourth quarter was a strong close to a transformational year for Softchoice," added Mr. MacDonald.  "In 2012 we largely completed the integration of UNIS LUMIN, built new recurring revenue streams with the launch of Softchoice Cloud and Keystone, our first North American-wide managed services offering, and strengthened our Services organization with the appointment of new regional leadership.  With solid momentum and alignment around our services strategy, we are well-positioned to continue outgrowing the market."

In August 2012, the Company reinstated its quarterly dividend in the amount of CAD$0.07 per common share. The quarter will see a dividend increase to CAD$0.09 per common share.  This dividend will be payable on March 15, 2013 to shareholders of record as of March 1, 2013.

At the end of the quarter, Softchoice had cash on hand of US$67.9 million compared to $33.0 million ending the fourth quarter of 2011 and total debt of nil. Cash flow generated from operations for the year was $44.1 million, which increased by $5.5 million or 14 percent.

Quarterly Operating Highlights

• In the fourth quarter, total revenue, including imputed revenue, increased 9 percent to $589.4 million.   
• Microsoft Canada recognized Softchoice with awards for marketing innovation and collaboration at the recent 2012 IMPACT awards ceremony in Toronto.
• During the quarter, Softchoice was honored with the Cisco Customer Satisfaction Excellence award for both the U.S. and Canada, the highest distinction a partner can achieve for customer satisfaction within the Cisco Channel Partner Community.
• Softchoice has once again been named to the CRN Tech Elite 250 list, a definitive list of solution providers with deep technical expertise and premier certifications in the data center market.

The Management's Discussion & Analysis and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements can be found on the company's website at http://www.softchoice.com/about/ir/financials.aspx

Softchoice Fourth Quarter Earnings Call Details

Softchoice Corporation will host its fourth quarter earnings call on February 20, 2013 at 8:00 am ET.

The call will be moderated by David MacDonald, Softchoice's President and CEO and Chief Financial Officer, David Long. The conference call will begin with a brief web presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

Participant Information:

Local Dial in number: 416 800 1066

Toll Free Dial in number: 1 866 212 4491

Webcast URL: 

http://www.snwebcastcenter.com/custom_events/softchoice-20130220/site/

To ensure participation, please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference at 8:00 am ET.

For those unable to attend the call, a link will be made available on the Softchoice website to an archived web and audio version on February 21, 2013.

About Softchoice

As a leading North American provider of technology solutions and services, Softchoice combines the efficiency and reliability of a national IT supplier with the personal touch and technical expertise of a local solutions provider. Softchoice's holistic approach to technology includes solution design, implementation and asset management services, as well as access to one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective technology distribution networks in North America. With over 1,200 employees, Softchoice manages the technology needs of thousands of corporate and public sector organizations across the United States and Canada.

Softchoice stock is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the trading symbol "SO." The common shares of Softchoice are not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and are not publicly traded in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate", "expect", "will" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, change in technology and general market conditions, many of which are set out or incorporated by reference in the Company's latest Annual Information Form. Due to the many risks and uncertainties, Softchoice cannot assure that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOFTCHOICE CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

December 31, 2012 and 2011

SOFTCHOICE CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share information)

Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

SOFTCHOICE CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

SOFTCHOICE CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

SOURCE Softchoice Corporation