U.S. Sales Fuel Solid Quarter For SAP

After a tough 2003, leading enterprise software maker SAP may be turning a corner, thanks to healthy sales in the United States. The company Thursday reported revenue of $1.85 billion for its first quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.84 billion in the same period a year ago.

SAP boosted its software sales by about 45% in the United States to $150.1 million, up from $104.4 million the same quarter a year ago. Across all regions, software sales jumped about 5% to $439.1 million.

SAP's operating income increased about 12% to $395.2 million, compared with $353.6 a year ago. Net income was $271.8 million, up from $220.7 million in the first quarter last year.

The company continues to expect a solid year, with a sales increase of around 10% compared with 2003. "Companies are looking at software investments in terms of their ability to support growth opportunities and business flexibility," CEO Henning Kagermann said in a statement. "With SAP NetWeaver and our comprehensive product portfolio, we are meeting the needs of our customers in all of our markets."