^Original-Research: SMARTBROKER HOLDING AG - from GBC AG08.01.2026 / 10:00 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 GBC AG to SMARTBROKER HOLDING AG Company Name: SMARTBROKER HOLDING AG ISIN: DE000A2GS609 Reason for the research: Research Note Recommendation: Buy Target price: 17.60 EUR Target price on sight of: 31.12.2026 Last rating change: Analyst: Matthias Greiffenberger, Cosmin FilkerDynamic growth accelerates as management raises full year targetsSmartbroker Holding AG has once again increased its corporate guidance forthe current financial year, confirming the continued exceptionally strongoperating performance in 2025. Management now expects group revenue ofbetween 65 and 70 million euros, previously 60 to 66 million euros, as wellas operating EBITDA in a range from minus 1.5 million euros to plus 1.5million euros, previously minus 3 million euros to zero. The main driverbehind this renewed adjustment is customer trading activity that has beensignificantly stronger than planned, supported by rising client numbers inbrokerage, ongoing product improvements within SMARTBROKER+, a compellingoverall offering, and an increasingly constructive capital marketenvironment. At the same time, the media segment is developing noticeablybetter than in the prior year, aided by growing editorial reach.Based on this improved corporate outlook, we are adjusting our estimates forthe 2025 financial year. Previously, we expected revenues of 65.0 millioneuros and operating EBITDA of minus 1.2 million euros. Following the latestguidance increase, we now raise our revenue estimate to 68.0 million eurosand expect operating EBITDA to break even. This adjustment reflects theexceptionally strong operational momentum in the brokerage segment as wellas visible efficiency gains in platform operations.The operating performance in 2025 supports this assessment. Smartbroker nowserves more than 250,000 brokerage clients, including nearly 80,000 newcustomers added during the current year. Assets under custody exceeded 14billion euros at the end of October, while cash under custody reached 915million euros. The sharply higher trading activity highlights the attractivevalue proposition and the consistent further development of SMARTBROKER+,which is additionally evidenced by several major awards.Despite the dynamic performance, 2025 remains a transition year, withfocused investments in growth, platform optimization, and increasedmarketing intensity. However, the broader customer base that has beenestablished and the higher level of trading activity will form thefoundation from 2026 onward for stronger recurring revenues and asignificant improvement in margins.The renewed guidance increase strengthens our investment case across keydimensions and underscores the company's growing potential. As a result ofour moderate forecast increase, our price target rises slightly to 17.60euros, from 17.50 euros previously. We reaffirm our buy recommendation, asrecent operating and financial developments clearly support our view thatSmartbroker will fully meet and solidly confirm our expectations over thecourse of the year.You can download the research here:https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=4c51474ecf137543e259313ad30a9cf7Contact for questions:GBC AGHalderstraße 2786150 Augsburg0821 / 241133 0research@gbc-ag.de++++++++++++++++Offenlegung möglicher Interessenskonflikte nach § 85 WpHG und Art. 20 MARBeim oben analysierten Unternehmen ist folgender möglicherInteressenkonflikt gegeben: (5a,11); Einen Katalog möglicherInteressenkonflikte finden Sie unter: http://www.gbc-ag.de/de/Offenlegung+++++++++++++++Completion: January 7, 2026 (11:15 a.m.)First disclosure: January 8, 2026 (10:00 a.m.)---------------------------------------------------------------------------The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.View original content:https://eqs-news.com/?origin_id=4d40e7f7-ebdd-11f0-be29-0694d9af22cf&lang=en---------------------------------------------------------------------------2256444 08.01.2026 CET/CEST°