ACI Worldwide, a provider of electronic payments software and services, has reported a net loss of $4.13m, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009, compared to a net loss of $4.90m, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008.

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2009 were $88.21m, compared to $90.66m for the same period in 2008. Operating loss for the first quarter of 2009 was $2.10m, compared to $2.07m for the same period in 2008.

Philip Heasley, CEO of ACI Worldwide, said: As we anticipated, we achieved performance that was typical of the seasonality of the first quarter and in line with our expectations. Even while we successfully hired seasoned services, product and strategy leaders across our business geographies, we also achieved a quarterly run rate reduction of $4m in payroll expenses which are reflected in our results.

On the sales side, we are equally encouraged by visibility into a strong pipeline for the second quarter that, at present, appears to exceed last year’s sales performance figures – that’s part of the reason that we’re comfortable re-affirming annual guidance.