Loihde - Q1 performance was colored by challenges
Loihde’s Q1 result came in below expectations. While net sales increased by 13%, adj. EBITDA fell below zero due to challenges faced. Guidance intact: double-digit growth and improving profitability.
- Group results: Q1 net sales fell short of our expectation by net sales amounting to EUR 31.3m (Evli: 33.7). In total, net sales grew by 13% y/y. The growth was strong in SeSo, while DiDe decreased from that of the comparison period due to soft demand. Adj. EBITDA decreased to EUR -0.1m, coming in below our expectations (Evli: 2.1). Profitability was negatively impacted by challenges in ERP launch and utilization rates as well as postponed projects. The company expects such one-timer challenges to fade away. Q1 EPS amounted to EUR -0.35 (Evli: 0.06).
- Security Solutions (SeSo): net sales grew by 22% to EUR 20.2m (Evli: 21.7m). Loihde has succeeded in project tendering both in the public and private sectors. Cyber security and its continuing services as well as One Security were one of the growth drivers. Although uncertainty is present among customers, the outlook seems bright for the demand for security solutions. Challenges in the launch of the ERP system complicated organizing front-office work and caused some additional costs that hurt EBITDA.
- Digital Development (DiDe): net sales decreased by 1% due to soft demand and customer uncertainty. Q1 net sales amounted to EUR 11.1m (Evli: 12.1m). The rate of recruitment has been reduced which should elevate utilization rates going forward. The company believes in double-digit topline growth in 2023 with a strong order book. Cloud services grew in line with the company’s expectations.
- 2023 guidance intact: double-digit growth in both businesses. EBITDA above that of the previous year.