Columbus: Progress in underlying profitability despite revenue decline in Q1 2025

This morning, Columbus reported its Q1 2025 results. Despite a revenue decline of -2% YoY to DKK 434m in the quarter due to hesitation and postponements among customers from the current market uncertainty, EBITDA was DKK 46m in the quarter, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 10.7% (compared to 7.9% adjusted for the positive effect of the M3CS legal case in Q1 2024). 

The largest business line, Dynamics 365, declined -2% YoY in the quarter. Most service lines declined in the quarter compared to the same quarter last year; however, the Data & AI business line increased by 28% YoY. Moreover, the overall decline in the service business lines of -3% YoY was partly offset by the sales of products, which grew 29% YoY in the quarter. In Q1 2025, the development of recurring revenue was somewhat flat at DKK 57m (DKK 58m in Q1 2024). 

The efficiency rate was also at the same level at 62% in Q1 2025 (62% in Q1 2024). The flat level is explained by the postponement of signed projects and also a capacity adjustment, which is expected to have a positive effect from Q2 2025 and onwards.  

In the quarter, EBITDA was DKK 46m, which is -9% compared to Q1 2024; however, an improvement of 32% when adjusting for the extraordinary gain of DKK 20m from the M3CS legal case in Q1 2024. This improvement is explained by improved contract profitability, cost optimization, and the Easter holiday falling in Q2 2025. This is also shown in the EBITDA margin, as the EBITDA margin was 10.7% in Q1 2025 compared to 7.9% in Q1 2024 after the adjustments of the M3CS legal case. 

Columbus maintains its outlook for 2025, expecting organic revenue growth of 7-9% and an EBITDA margin of 10-12%.

In relation to the initiated strategic review, Columbus does not report any major changes. The company states that they remain focused on the day-to-day execution and customer delivery, while carefully evaluating the long-term options that can support the growth ambitions. Moreover, the company also highlights that they are well-positioned to act on strategic opportunities, as the company has a strong balance sheet and solid cash flow generation.

Read the full report here: https://www.inderes.dk/releases/columbus-interim-report-q1-2025

On Monday, 12 May at 11:00, we host an online live event with Columbus' CEO & President Søren Krogh Knudsen and CFO Brian Iversen, who will present the results and answer questions from the audience. Sign up and ask your questions here: https://www.inderes.dk/videos/columbus-q1-2025-report-presentation

Disclaimer: HC Andersen Capital receives payment from Columbus for a Digital IR subscription agreement. /Kasper Lihn 11:20 (updated 11:34), 8 May 2025.