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continues the strong development in annual recurring revenues (ARR*), with a
growth of 29% year-on-year, to a calculated ARR of NOK 361 million. Q-Free
reiterates the strong outlook and will continue to invest in an ARR business
model to leverage on the opportunities when cities across the world are
implementing accelerated sustainability measures.
“Using novel technology and open platforms, we create intelligent solutions for
efficient, safe, and eco-friendly transport. The shift in our business model to
recurring revenue, combined with investments in technology and innovation, may
somewhat reduce short-term revenue. However, recurring models create stable,
long-term income and opportunities to upsell,” Thale Kuvås Solberg, Chief
Executive Officer of Q-Free states.
The company reported revenues of NOK 244 million in the first quarter of 2023
(216) and an EBITDA* of NOK 12 million. The EBIT ended at NOK -2 million (-3),
and the order backlog was NOK 1 418 million at the end of the period. The
company also reported a cashflow from operations at NOK 22 million in the
quarter.
Q-Free aims to continue to build its ARR base by continuing the heavy investing
in the launched Kinetic® Mobility platform, pursuing long-term tolling service
contracts which are now out for bid in Europe, expand its ALPR SaaS business in
the US and Europe, and grow its tolling back-office SW business in connection
with new tolling system deliveries. The company also see a shift in customer
needs and requirements with regards to technology and sustainability.
“Sustainability is transforming the competitive landscape. How we organize our
ESG journey can be determinant for our future innovation capacity. Aiming to
deliver the best solutions for customers, the environment, and our business, we
explore analytical and data-driven approaches to ESG that both spur innovation
and support regulatory compliance. The work we now do on embedding ESG already
in the design phase is crucial as 80 percent of the future carbon footprint is
determined there,” Solberg says, and concludes:
“Q-Free continues the transformation to a more robust and scalable recurring
business model and is well positioned to benefit from positive macro trends
related to efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation. The global push for
sustainability is awakening interest in our portfolio: low-carbon policies are
in place, funds are allocated, and pollution hotspots are addressed, with
targeted traffic measures to accelerate to green, just mobility. Smart traffic
management, tolling and low-emission zones, and connected vehicles are all
viable solutions in the transition economy.”
Q-Free will host a webcast on 27 April 2023 to present its first quarter results
2023. 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 webcast presentation is enclosed.
- ARR, EBITDA and other alternative performance measures (APMs) are defined and
reconciled to the IFRS financial statements as a part of the APM section of the
first quarter 2023 financial report.
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange
announcement was published by Rita Bøe Isaksen, Board Secretary in Q-Free ASA,
on 27 April 2023 at 07:10 CET.
For further information, please contact:
Thale Kuvås Solberg, President & CEO, +47 936 800 30
Trond Christensen, CFO, +47 481 027 54
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 NOK 900 million and employs approximately 350 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
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