For the fourth quarter Lectra had a strong growth in income from operations, on a like-for-like basis. Net income was up 16 per cent at actual exchange rates. Orders for new systems were three per cent lower. Revenues were up seven per cent. Income from operations was up 13 per cent like-for-like. The operating margin was up 0.8 percentage points like-for-like but down 1.1 percentage points at actual exchange rates.

Currency changes mechanically decreased revenues by four per cent and income from operations by 16 per cent at actual exchange rates compared to like-for-like figures.

In 2017 the company proceeded with its first sales of software with a software-as-a-service model to a deliberately limited number of customers, in selected test countries. The company has been debt free since March 31, 2015. Cash and cash equivalents, and the net cash position, were up sharply compared to December 31, 2016. This is also a record level, which will enable the company to self-finance its internal and external development.

For 2018, the company is targeting six to ten per cent revenue growth, like-for-like, and seven per cent to 15 per cent growth in income from operations before non-recurring items, like-for-like.