Software company SAP says Q4 sales up 12 pct

(AP) Business software provider SAP AG says sales rose 12 percent in the fourth quarter thanks to strong results from Asia.

Revenues rose to 5.02 billion ($6.7 billion) from 4.50 billion in the same quarter a year earlier. Software revenue rose 22 percent in the Asia-Pacific-Japan region but only 8 percent in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The company, based in Walldorf, Germany, said Tuesday operating earnings fell 5 percent to 1.59 billion. That result was diminished by expenses of 151 million related to acquisitions and by 185 million from new, share-based compensation programs boosted by a rise in the company's stock price during the year.

SAP makes software to help companies manage back-office functions such as personnel and paying suppliers.

It releases detailed earnings including net profit Jan. 23.