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Q-Free ASA — Earnings Release 2021
Apr 29, 2021
3721_rns_2021-04-29_9b227251-99e8-46cd-8de4-22f874fb4079.html
Earnings Release
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Q-Free: First quarter 2021 financial results
Q-Free: First quarter 2021 financial results
(Oslo, 29 April 2021) Q-Free ASA (OSE: QFR) reported revenues of NOK 191 million
(202) in the first quarter of 2021 and an EBITDA of NOK 13 million (-8). The
order intake ended at NOK 434 million (220), contributing to a backlog exceeding
NOK 1.3 billion. Q-Free reiterates its positive outlook for 2021 and its 2025
ambitions of NOK 1.3-1.5 billion in revenues with an EBITDA margin in the 15-20%
range.
"Q-Free delivered a quarter with significant operational improvements. Although
revenues were down, order intake in the quarter almost doubled compared to last
year. This increase was driven by several key contract wins in both Tolling and
Traffic Management. Profitability in the quarter improved substantially compared
to last year due to higher gross margin and reduced operational expenses.
Moreover, the divestment of our parking assets in combination with the
successful conversion of the convertible bond to equity will ensure a more
focused and better capitalized company going forward." says Håkon Volldal,
President and CEO of Q-Free.
In the first quarter of 2021 Q-Free generated revenues of NOK 191.5 million,
down 5 percent from NOK 201.5 million in the corresponding quarter in 2020
because of COVID-19 and currency effects. EBITDA ended at NOK 13.3 million (
-7.9) following a 5 percentage point increase in gross margin and a 13 percent
reduction in operational expenses. EBIT was NOK -0.9 million in the period (
-23.6). Order intake ended at NOK 434 million (220), contributing to a backlog
exceeding NOK 1.3 billion.
Q-Free reiterates its double-digit revenue growth ambition in 2021.The company
has also established 2025 ambitions of NOK 1.3-1.5 billion in revenues and an
EBITDA margin in the 15-20 percent range.
"We are operating in an industry with favorable drivers and trends, are building
leading technology and market positions, and have a sizeable order backlog. In
addition, we already generate more than NOK 200 million in annual recurring
revenues and will continue to shift our business towards such recurring models.
Consequently, we are targeting an annual revenue growth in excess of 10 percent
leading to 2025 revenues of 1.3-1.5 billion NOK. Potential growth from bolt-on
acquisitions to strengthen and scale-up certain market offerings will come on
top," Volldal concludes.
Because of Q-Free's increased focus on recurring business models, all future
contracts that generate more than NOK 2.5 million in annual recurring revenues
will be publicly announced
Q-Free will host a webcast on 29 April to present the first quarter 2021
results. The presentation starts at 09:00 CET and can be followed live on:
https://www.q-free.com/investor_relations/web-cast/
A recorded version will be available after the webcast has been concluded. The
report from the Board of Directors and the Q1-21 presentation are enclosed.
For further information, please contact:
Håkon Volldal, President & CEO, +47 977 19 973
Trond Christensen, CFO, +47 481 02 754
About Q-Free:
Q-Free ASA (OSE: QFR) is a global innovator in intelligent transportation
systems that improve traffic flow, road safety, and air quality. With an open,
collaborative approach to tolling, traffic and active transportation management,
Q-Free works with customers and partners on every continent to digitize
infrastructure and overcome modern mobility challenges for the greater good of
society.
Headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, Q-Free has annual revenues of approximately
1 billion NOK and employs approximately 360 transportation innovators, experts,
and enthusiasts. To learn more about how Q-Free is "changing the movements of
life", visit www.q-free.com or Twitter:@Q-FreeASA