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

12.11.2024 / 09:02 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.

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Classification of NuWays AG to q.beyond AG

Company Name: q.beyond AG

ISIN: DE0005137004

Reason for the research: Update

Recommendation: Buy

from: 12.11.2024

Target price: EUR 1.10

Target price on sight of: 12 months

Last rating change:

Analyst: Philipp Sennewald

Q3 in line with est.; consulting on the road to recovery

Topic: QBY released Q3 results that were largely in line with our estimates

on the top- and bottom-line. Especially profitability remains on a strongly

improved level compared to the previous year. In detail:

Q3 sales increased 3.5% yoy to EUR 47.0m (eNuW: EUR 47.3m; eCons: EUR 47.4m),

again driven by the managed service segment but also a sequential

improvement of the consulting segment. Managed service sales increased 6.2%

yoy to EUR 32.9m (eNuW: EUR 32.8m) and achieved an improved segment gross margin

of 79.9% (+1pp yoy). On the other hand, the consulting segment saw a further

decline, as sales were down 2.6% yoy to EUR 14.1m (eNuW: EUR 14.5m). Yet, we saw

a sequential improvement of 4.2% qoq, which is pointing towards a recovery,

in our view, as the segment gross margin also improved slightly by 0.4pp qoq

to 7.1%. Mind you, 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%; 13% at Q3 '24).

Overall gross profit came in at EUR 7.6m (eNuW: EUR 7.8m; eCons: EUR 8.4m,

implying a margin of 16.2% (+0.9pp yoy).

Against this backdrop, Q3 EBITDA improved significantly to EUR 2.2m (vs. EUR

-0.1m in Q3 '23; eNuW: EUR 2.2m; eCons: EUR 2.3m), implying a 4.6% margin. The

drivers behind the improvement were significant reductions in sales &

marketing (-14% yoy) as well as G&A expenses (-12% yoy) following the

successful implementation of the One q.beyond strategy.

On this basis, management confirmed the FY guidance of EUR 192-198m (eNuW: EUR

193m; eCons: EUR 193m), EBITDA of EUR 8-10m (eNuW: EUR 9.3m; eCons: EUR 9.2m) as

well as positive FCF (eNuW: EUR 5.6m; eCons: EUR 4.4m). In our view, the

guidance looks absolutely achievable, especially given the seasonally strong

Q4 ahead. At 9M, FCF arrived at EUR 4.7m, which compares to EUR 2.6m in the same

period last year.

Overall, the release fully underpins the case in accordance with

management's Strategy 2025, targeting an EBTIDA margin of 7-8% (eNuW: 7.1%;

eCons: 6.8%) as well as sustained positive net income (eNuW: EUR 2.1m; eCons:

EUR 1.4m).

Reiterate BUY with an unchanged EUR 1.10 PT based on DCF.

You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/31277.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

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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.

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2027519 12.11.2024 CET/CEST

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