^

Original-Research: q.beyond AG - from NuWays AG

29.10.2024 / 09:01 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS

Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The

result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an

invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Classification of NuWays AG to q.beyond AG

Company Name: q.beyond AG

ISIN: DE0005137004

Reason for the research: Update

Recommendation: Buy

from: 29.10.2024

Target price: EUR 1.10

Target price on sight of: 12 months

Last rating change:

Analyst: Philipp Sennewald

Q3 preview: Stable development & improved consulting; chg.

q.beyond will release its Q3 report on November 11th. We expect a further

positive development, as well as an improvement in the consulting segment.

Here is what to expect:

Q3 sales are seen to increase by 4.1% yoy to EUR 47.3m (eNuW). The main driver

should again be the managed service segment, where we expect sales to grow

by 6% yoy to EUR 32.8m with a stable segment gross margin of 21% (eNuW).

Moreover, we expect a sequential improvement in the consulting segment with

sales being flat yoy at EUR 14.5m (eNuW). While the company is still trimming

the segment on efficiency, thus reducing the amount of low-margin projects,

we estimate an improved utilization, allowing for a stable segment gross

margin of 6.5% (eNuW). Keep in mind, that management targets to

substantially increase the consulting margin going forward, driven by an

increased utilization as well as a higher near- and off-shoring ratio

(target: 20%; eNuW: 14% at Q3 '24e). Overall, we expect the gross margin to

be stable at 16.6% (eNuW).

Against this backdrop, Q3 EBITDA looks set to come in at EUR 2.2m (eNuW; Q3

'23: EUR 0.1m), implying a margin of 4.3%. Next to the already imposed

measures regarding near- and off-shoring the strong yoy improvement is

driven by the continuous implementation of the One q.beyond strategy,

leading to cost reduction in sales & marketing as well as G&A.

On this basis, we expect management to confirm the FY guidance of EUR 192-198m

sales (eNuW: EUR 193m), EUR 8-10m EBITDA (eNuW: EUR 9.3m) and positive FCF (eNuW:

EUR 5.6m). While our EBTIDA estimate might look bullish at first sight, mind

you that QBY's strongest quarter is still ahead with Q4 and further

efficiency gains are expected to come.

All in all, the Q3 figures are seen to fully support the equity story in

accordance with QBY's Strategy 2025, where management is targeting an EBITDA

margin of 7-8% (eNuW: 7.1%) as well as sustained positive net income.

Valuation remains undemanding with shares trading at only 6.6x EV/EBITDA

'24e (3.5x '25e). We hence reiterate BUY with an unchanged EUR 1.10 PT based

on DCF.

You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/31135.pdf

For additional information visit our website: www.nuways-ag.com/research

Contact for questions:

NuWays AG - Equity Research

Web: www.nuways-ag.com

Email: research@nuways-ag.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysag

Adresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany

++++++++++

Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss

bestimmter Börsengeschäfte.

Offenlegung möglicher Interessenskonflikte nach § 85 WpHG beim oben

analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollständigen Analyse.

++++++++++

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,

Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2017663 29.10.2024 CET/CEST

°