^Original-Research: q.beyond AG - from NuWays AG01.10.2025 / 09:00 CET/CESTDissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQSGroup.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. Theresult of this research does not constitute investment advice or aninvitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Classification of NuWays AG to q.beyond AG Company Name: q.beyond AG ISIN: DE0005137004 Reason for the research: Update Recommendation: BUY from: 01.10.2025 Target price: EUR 1.30 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Philipp SennewaldConference feedback: Capital allocation in investor's focusHere are the key takeaways from our annual Paris conference in Paris (CEOattendance):Data centre currently not for sale: In the past years, discussionsintensified around the possible disposal of the company's data centre inHamburg. The asset has a book value of EUR 15m (eNuW), implying significanthidden reserves given an estimated market value of EUR 40m, (at 70%utilization). Management's goal is to rent out the remaining computing powerby YE26. With this, the market value should increase to EUR 60m (eNuW). MrRixen stated that it could be sensible to keep the asset, given theincreased demand of German SMEs for domestic computing power due to datasovereignty discussions. In our view, this could pose as a strategicadvantage for QBY going forward, which is seen to result in increasedpricing power given the general supply constraints.Besides this, capital allocation was in the centre of discussions, driven bythe company's net cash position of EUR 40m (eNuW for FY25). Here, managementprovided a clear priority ranking: 1. M&A: Following the example set with the logineer transaction (via JV with Roehlig Logistics), the company aims to enter new verticals via acquiring industry expertise, handing them a competitive advantage over more generalist peers. To be more precise, QBY is seen to focus on the energy and healthcare sector. The CEO further underscored that targets should be in the EUR 10-20m sales range and 10% EBITDA margin ballpark. Multiples in the sector are currently compressing and are now seen to be in the range of 5-6x EV/EBITDA. Note that future M&A is not reflected in our model, which why any transaction would provide upside to our estimates. While we expect no deal to be announced during the remainder of FY25, H1'26e is likely to provide newsflow in this regard. 2. Share buy-backs: From FY26 onwards, management intends to launch a share buy-back program, capitalizing on the depressed valuation of the shares. While this should deliver solid EPS accretion for investors, it would also provide a possible M&A currency. On the other hand, we see the risk of further reducing liquidity, which could hinder the stock from realizing its fair value. 3. Dividends. Management currently prioritizes share buy-backs over dividends, given the more attractive return at the current valuation - a stance we consider sensible. While we would not rule out future payouts, we do not include them in our estimates for now.Aside from this, current trading remains on track, with management confidentregarding FY25 and mid-term outlook. H1'25 already showed encouragingprogress: gross margin rose to 20% (Q2), consulting margins more thandoubled to 15%, and EBITDA rose to EUR 2.7m in Q2, underlining the shifttoward higher-margin business and the benefits of the transformation.Going forward, margin expansion will be driven by AI integration (incl. thenew "Private Enterprise AI" platform), expanded Security services (CyberDefence Center Riga), increased near- and offshoring (already at 17%, with>=20% FY25 target), and a focused industry-specific business model.Reiterate BUY with an unchanged PT of EUR 1.30 based on DCF.You can download the research here:https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=1ac8b6960f2cc8801d02345b4ac5ea7fFor additional information visit our website:https://www.nuways-ag.com/research-feedContact for questions:NuWays AG - Equity ResearchWeb: www.nuways-ag.comEmail: research@nuways-ag.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysagAdresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany++++++++++Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschlussbestimmter Börsengeschäfte.Offenlegung möglicher Interessenskonflikte nach § 85 WpHG beim obenanalysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollständigen Analyse.++++++++++---------------------------------------------------------------------------The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.Archive at www.eqs-news.com---------------------------------------------------------------------------2206466 01.10.2025 CET/CEST°