Austriacard Holdings AgATHEX: ACAG

ACAG Q1 2026 Results PR ENG

· Issued by Austriacard Holdings Ag

Strong Q1 2026 results with double digit growth in EBITDA vs. Q1 2025

Growth in Digital Technologies and Identity & Payment solutions reinforces the strategic agenda set out at FY2025 results

  • Group Revenues of €89.4m (8% increase vs. Q1 2025), driven by solid growth in both Digital Technologies (+83% vs. Q1 2025) and Identity & Payment solutions (+7% vs. Q1 2025). All 3 geographic segments registered revenue growth vs. Q1 2025, with the WEST segment the clear outperformer.
  • Digital Technologies (+83% vs. Q1 2025), supported by the accelerated implementation of large-scale, public sector digitization projects in Greece (€6m revenue contribution vs. Q1 2025). Identity & Payment solutions (+7% vs. Q1 2025) anchored by strong growth from Fintech clients in the WEST segment as well as by the business development strategy for Identity solutions in the MEA segment.
  • EBITDA of €11.5m (11% increase vs. Q1 2025), supported by revenue growth and a favourable revenue mix with growing contribution from higher-margin services and solutions. Group EBITDA margin widened by 30bps vs. Q1 2025 to 12.9%.
  • Net Profit of €4.1m (61% increase vs. Q1 2025), on the back of EBIT growth (+18% vs. Q1 2025) and declining interest expenses (-11% vs. Q1 2025), as we continue to deleverage the Group's Balance Sheet (loans and borrowings declined by 2% vs. 31/12/2025).
  • Operating Cash Flow of €7.5m outflow in Q1 2026 was adversely impacted by a seasonal build-up in working capital, predominantly attributed to project billing timing (the accelerated implementation of contracted Greek public sector digitization projects, which are invoiced upon project completion) and legacy contractual purchasing obligations with key suppliers. Hence, this temporary worsening of the operating cash flow generation is not at all attributed to a structural weakening in the underlying working capital management. Management anticipates a normalization of the working capital requirements and an improvement in operating cash flow generation in H2 2026, driven by the gradual contract assets conversion into billings and cash collection as well as by the anticipated positive results from last year's renegotiation of the Group's contractual purchasing obligations with its main chip suppliers.
  • Group Leverage (Net Debt / EBITDA) (1.9x), vs. 1.7x in FY2025, maintained at healthy levels and within our medium-term target range of 1.5x-2x. Group Net Debt of €94.5m (vs. €81.6m in FY2025),

    Note: all amounts and percentages presented herein are rounded; accordingly, totals may not sum precisely due to rounding 1

    Building on trust. Growing digitally.

    Q1 2026 Financial Results 12 May 2026



    with the aforesaid temporary working capital-related cash utilization more than offsetting the continued deleveraging.

  • 2026 Outlook: Q1 2026 performance is consistent with and supportive of the Management FY2026 targets previously communicated (FY2025 Results Press Release). The strong year-on-year growth in Digital Technologies and Identity & Payment solutions, combined with Group EBITDA margin expansion in the quarter, reinforces Management's confidence in targeting high-single digit Group Revenue growth and further EBITDA margin expansion for the full year, notwithstanding the fragile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment.
May 12, 2026 - AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG (ACAG), the international applied technology group headquartered in Vienna, announces its Q1 2026 financial results. Manolis Kontos, Chairman of the Management Board and Group CEO, commented:

"Q1 2026 confirms that the strategic choices we have made are delivering results. Our Digital Technologies business is scaling at pace, our Payment and Identity solutions continue to gain ground in competitive markets, and the geographic diversification of our revenue base is proving its resilience. Across our core and emerging markets - namely Greece, the US and UK and MEA - the commercial momentum we are building gives us confidence in the trajectory for the remainder of 2026.

We are also seeing early proof that our strategic adjacencies are not theoretical. GaiaB™ Appliance has secured its first contracted international deployment. The Cartes Bancaires technical approval process in France is actively underway, opening access to one of Europe's largest payment card markets. Our SAMA mada certification has made Saudi Arabia accessible. These are markets where we were not present, or not certified, twelve months ago, and their progressive opening reinforces the deliberate geographic and product diversification at the heart of our strategy.

The working capital build in Q1 reflects project execution timing and supplier payment phasing - temporary, anticipated, and resolving through the second half of 2026. As contracted Greek public sector digitization projects reach completion milestones in H2 2026, contract assets will convert into billings and cash collection, while the renegotiated supplier terms we secured last year - reduced purchase commitments and improved pricing - begin delivering their full financial benefit from the second half of 2026 onwards. With Group leverage at 1.9x comfortably within our 1.5x-2.0x target range, and both drivers of normalisation firmly within our control, we expect operating cash flow to strengthen materially as the year progresses.

At our FY2025 results, we committed to continue evolving AUSTRIACARD into an end-to-end applied technology group - deepening our Digital Technologies capabilities, advancing our AI solutions and expanding into new geographies. Our commitment to building trust through digital growth has never been stronger."

GROUP PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Group P&L | Highlights

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

% chg

Revenues

89.4

82.6

+8%

EBITDA

11.5

10.4

+11%

EBITDA margin

12.9%

12.6%

+0.3%

Profit/(Loss) before tax

5.3

3.4

+55%

Profit/(Loss)

4.1

2.6

+61%

Profit/(Loss) attributable to Company owners

3.5

2.0

+76%

Group Financial Position | Highlights

in € million

31/03/2026

31/12/2025

Cash & cash equivalents

10.6

25.1

Total Assets

332.9

327.8

Total Equity

140.4

135.9

Net Debt

94.5

81.6

Total Liabilities

192.5

191.8

Group Revenues

Group Revenues increased 8% vs. Q1 2025 to €89.4m, on the back of the following key drivers from a solutions and services perspective:

  • Digital Technologies +83% vs. Q1 2025, fuelled by the accelerated implementation of large-scale, public sector digitization projects in Greece (€6m revenue contribution vs. Q1 2025), which have been in full implementation mode since Q3 2025.
  • Identity & Payment solutions +7% vs. Q1 2025, anchored by Payment solutions (+7% vs. Q1 2025), on the back of strong growth from the Group's Fintech clients (US, Europe and the Nordics) as well as by Identity solutions (+15% vs. Q1 2025), on account of the Group's business development in the MEA segment.

    From a geographic segments perspective, solid revenue growth was reported across all 3 segments, with WEST (+21% vs. Q1 2025) the clear outperformer.

    Revenues by Segment

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Central Eastern Europe & DACH (CEE)

    53.5

    51.6

    1.9

    +4%

    Western Europe, Nordics, Americas (WEST)

    34.6

    28.7

    5.9

    +21%

    Türkiye / Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    7.9

    7.6

    0.3

    +4%

    Eliminations & Corporate

    (6.5)

    (5.3)

    (1.2)

    +23%

    Total

    89.4

    82.6

    6.8

    +8%

    Please refer to pages 12-14 and 20-21 in the Appendix for a detailed analysis of the Group segments per Geography.

    Central Eastern Europe & DACH (CEE)

    Revenues in the segment increased by 4% vs. Q1 2025 to €53.5m, with Digital Technologies (+83% vs. Q1 2025 to

    €13m), the single largest revenue growth driver in the CEE segment, anchored by the accelerated implementation of

    large-scale, public sector digitization projects in Greece (€6m revenue contribution vs. Q1 2025). On the other hand, the unfavourable base effect from Q1 2025 related to card renewals with Romanian banks as well as the ongoing headwinds from the market normalization in payment cards in Türkiye (€1.5m total impact to Group Q1 2026 Revenues) more than offset the relatively solid performance from CEE financial institutions clients, thus resulting in lower revenues from Identity & Payment solutions (-3% vs. Q1 2025). Moreover, Document Lifecycle Management revenues (-15% vs. Q1 2025) were adversely impacted by the continued secular volume contraction in postal services in Romania and the printing business in Greece, in the context of the broader trends of digitization of client communication.

    Identity & Payment solutions was the segment's key revenue contributor (€21m revenues or 40% of CEE segment total), followed closely by Document Lifecycle Management (€19m revenues or 36% of CEE segment total). The aforesaid strong growth in Digital Technologies has increased its share to 24% of CEE segment total (vs. 14% in Q1 2025).

    Western Europe, Nordics, Americas (WEST)

    Revenues in the segment increased by 21% vs. Q1 2025 to €34.6m, anchored by strong growth in Identity & Payment solutions (+21% vs. Q1 2025), on the back of the Group's growing business with Fintech clients in the US, Europe and the Nordics.

    Worth highlighting the continued strong performance of the Group's US operations (€6.9m revenues, +21% vs. Q1 2025) with distribution services of personalized cards (fulfillment), metal cards and card personalization the key drivers. Similarly, the Group's UK operations delivered another solid performance (€13.8m revenues, +33% vs. Q1 2025), supported by strong growth in Payment solutions, reflecting the Group's successful strategy to focus on the fast-growing segments of Fintech and neobanks.

    The Group continues to make good progress in relation to its expansion strategy in the payment card market in France, as the technical approval process with Cartes Bancaires has commenced, with the expected completion for the entire process set in Q1 2027. Cartes Bancaires (CB) is France's national interbank card network and the dominant payment scheme in France, processing the vast majority of domestic card transactions (14.5bn transactions totalling €700bn in 2024, covering over 65% of everyday consumer spending in France).

    Türkiye, Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    Revenues in the segment increased 4% vs. Q1 2025 to €7.9m, driven by (i) Identity solutions (€1.2m contribution vs. Q1 2025) and (ii) document output (printing and security printing) (€0.5m contribution vs. Q1 2025), which more than offset headwinds related to the continued normalization of the Turkish payment card market (€1.5m total impact to Group Q1 2026 Revenues). The persistent macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty, together with cyclicality and normalizing customer stock levels, following high levels of paid stock after several years of substantial growth, continue to weigh on the Turkish payment card market, albeit at a significantly decelerating pace compared to 2025. Nevertheless, we continue witnessing early signs of modest market recovery, as reflected in the 2% increase vs. Q1 2025 in the volume of personalized cards.

    Building on the Card Chip Profile certification obtained from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for the mada debit card scheme - Saudi Arabia's national payment network with over 35 million cards in circulation - the Group is actively expanding its MEA certification footprint. The onboarding process with AfriGo, Nigeria's national domestic card scheme, has been completed. The Secure ID technical onboarding for Verve, Africa's largest domestic card scheme, is underway. Together, these certifications progressively open access to some of the fastest-growing payment card markets on the continent.

    Overall, the Group's strategy for the MEA segment is focused on diversifying the segment's earnings mix by pursuing targeted initiatives and opportunities in Document Lifecycle Management solutions (e.g. high-security, personalized National Examination Papers with traceability services, high security ballot papers and support material for elections) and holistic Citizen Identity services that are already building a recurring revenue base, and will continue increasing their Revenue and EBITDA contribution in the MEA segment.

    Revenues by Solution

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Identity & Payment

    56.5

    52.7

    3.8

    +7%

    Document Lifecycle Management

    19.7

    22.6

    (2.9)

    -13%

    Digital Technologies

    13.2

    7.2

    6.0

    +83%

    Total

    89.4

    82.6

    6.8

    +8%

    Identity & Payment

    Revenues increased by 7% vs. Q1 2025 to €56.5m, supported by solid growth on both pillars:

    Payment solutions revenues increased 7% vs. Q1 2025, on the back of:
  • Solid revenue growth across card issuance, card personalization and distribution services of personalized cards (fulfillment).

  • The Group's total volume of sold cards increased by 9% vs. Q1 2025 to 28.3m cards.

  • WEST segment was the key growth driver (+21% vs. Q1 2025), more than offsetting headwinds in MEA, related to the ongoing normalization of the Turkish payment card market (€1.5m total impact to Group Q1 2026 Revenues) and in CEE, related to the unfavourable base effect from Q1 2025 of card renewals with Romanian banks.

  • The Group's activities in the US delivered once again a strong performance, with revenues increasing 21% vs. Q1 2025 to €6.9m, anchored by significant growth across distribution services of personalized cards (fulfillment) (+80% vs. Q1 2025), metal cards (+78% vs. Q1 2025) and card personalization (+28% vs. Q1 2025).

    Identity solutions revenues increased 15% vs. Q1 2025, driven by the Group's business development strategy in MEA, as we continue to enhance the pipeline of holistic citizens authentication solutions in various MEA jurisdictions.

    Worth noting that from Q1 2026 onwards the Identity & Payment solutions revenues include revenues related to the distribution services of personalized cards (fulfillment), which were previously classified within the Document Lifecycle Management category. This reclassification now accurately reflects revenues related to the Group's Payment solutions. For details on the reclassification please refer to page 22 in the Appendix.

    Document Lifecycle Management

    Revenues registered a 13% decline vs. Q1 2025 to €19.7m, as the Group's postal services in Romania and the printing business in Greece continue to face secular volume contraction, since corporate and institutional clients continue the migration of transactional communications (e.g. statements, bills etc) to electronic delivery channels, which are also undertaken by the Group on behalf of each client. These structural dynamics, previously identified by management as a feature of the broader digitisation of client communication, are consistent with the trends observed in prior periods and are expected to continue declining.

    Nevertheless, revenues related to document output (printing and security printing) in the MEA segment increased almost 6x vs. Q1 2025 (albeit from a rather low base), reflecting our successful business development strategy of pursuing targeted initiatives and opportunities in complex digital security printing initiatives for public administrations in select African markets.

    Digital Technologies

    Revenues reported a robust 83% increase vs. Q1 2025 to €13.2m, largely on account of the revenue growth (€6m contribution vs. Q1 2025) from contracted, large-scale, public sector digitization projects in Greece (€9.3m revenues in total). Until 31/03/2026, the Group had been awarded (both directly and indirectly) public sector digitization projects in Greece worth in total approx. €70m, of which approx. €44m has been cumulatively received/recognized (from 2023 until end-March 2026), with the remaining amount of approx. €25m to be recognized from Q2 2026 onwards.

    Furthermore, the roll-out of the Group's proprietary generative AI solution for the automation of business processes

    and operations, GaiaB™ Appliance, is gaining initial traction. The Group recently announced (April 2026) the formation

    of a strategic alliance with MDS SI Technology & Security Solutions (MDS SI TSS), a subsidiary of the MDS SI Group, the preeminent technological leader across the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. MDS SI TSS will assume the pivotal role of Value-Added Reseller and Systems Integrator for the GaiaB™ Appliance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As part of this strategic alliance, the first long-term contract in the UAE has been signed.

    Group Gross Profit

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Gross profit I

    43.1

    39.3

    3.8

    +10%

    Gross profit I margin

    48.2%

    47.6%

    +0.6%

    Gross profit II

    21.5

    19.5

    2.0

    +10%

    Gross profit II margin

    24.1%

    23.7%

    +0.4%

    Gross profit I: the 10% increase vs. Q1 2025 is attributed to both revenue growth and the growing contribution of higher-margin services and solutions, e.g. Digital Technologies and Payment solutions. The Gross profit I margin widened by some 0.6 percentage points to 48.2%, with WEST (+3.1 percentage points) and MEA (+3.9 percentage points) the drivers of margin expansion. Gross profit II: the 10% increase is attributed to the Gross Profit I growth, despite a 9% increase in production costs, related to the growth in both the MEA segment and the Group's main service centers in the WEST segment. The Gross profit II margin expansion by 0.4 percentage points to 24.1% is anchored by the aforesaid growing contribution of higher-margin services and solutions.

    Group Operating Expenses (OPEX)

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Production costs

    (21.6)

    (19.7)

    1.8

    +9%

    Selling and distribution expenses

    (5.9)

    (5.5)

    0.5

    +8%

    Administrative expenses

    (7.2)

    (7.1)

    0.1

    +1%

    R&D expenses

    (2.5)

    (2.3)

    0.1

    +6%

    + Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    4.8

    4.8

    0.1

    +2%

    Total

    (32.3)

    (29.9)

    2.5

    +8%

    as % of Revenues

    36.2%

    36.2%

    Group OPEX (excluding depreciation, amortization & impairment) increased 8% vs. Q1 2025 to €32.3m, as higher production costs (+9% vs. Q1 2025) more than offset our disciplined focus on operational efficiency improvements. SG&A expenses (includes both Selling and distribution, and Administrative expenses) increased 4% vs. Q1 2025 (well below Group Revenue growth), while Research & Development (R&D) expenses increased 6% vs. Q1 2025 reflecting our continued investment in R&D capabilities to support future business growth, especially in Digital Technologies.

    Group Operating Profitability

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    EBITDA

    11.5

    10.4

    1.1

    +11%

    EBITDA margin

    12.9%

    12.6%

    +0.3%

    EBIT

    6.7

    5.6

    1.0

    +18%

    EBIT margin

    7.4%

    6.8%

    +0.6%

    Group EBITDA: the 11% increase vs. Q1 2025 is attributed to the Gross Profit increase (+10% vs. Q1 2025). Group EBITDA margin widened by some 0.3 percentage points to 12.9%, supported by a more favourable revenue mix (growing contribution of higher-margin services and solutions) as well as by ongoing cost rationalisation initiatives. Group EBIT: the 18% increase vs. Q1 2025 is supported by the EBITDA growth as well as by a mere 2% increase in depreciation & amortization expenses. Group EBIT margin widened by some 0.6 percentage points to 7.4%, reflecting the aforesaid growing contribution of higher-margin services and solutions.

    Group Net Results

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Profit/(Loss) before tax

    5.3

    3.4

    1.9

    +55%

    Profit/(Loss)

    4.1

    2.6

    1.6

    +61%

    Profit/(Loss) attributable to Company Owners

    3.5

    2.0

    1.5

    +76%

    EPS (basic) (€)

    0.10

    0.06

    +76%

    Group Net Profit: the 61% increase vs. Q1 2025 to €4.1m is attributed to the following drivers:
  • EBIT growth (+18% vs. Q1 2025)

  • Lower net financial expenses (-29% vs. Q1 2025), on account of (i) lower interest expenses (-11% vs. Q1 2025), on the back of a declining average outstanding debt balance, and (ii) significantly lower losses related to FX differences (€0.5m reduction vs. Q1 2025), since Q1 2025 had been burdened by the USD and RON devaluation.

  • Lower Group effective tax rate (22% vs. 25% in Q1 2025), mainly on account of higher taxable profit in jurisdictions with a lower corporate tax rate.

    Group P&L

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Revenues

    89.4

    82.6

    6.8

    +8%

    Costs of material & mailing

    (46.3)

    (43.3)

    3.0

    +7%

    Gross profit I

    43.1

    39.3

    3.8

    +10%

    Gross profit I margin

    48.2%

    47.6%

    +0.6%

    Production costs

    (21.6)

    (19.7)

    1.8

    +9%

    Gross profit II

    21.5

    19.5

    2.0

    +10%

    Gross profit II margin

    24.1%

    23.7%

    +0.4%

    Other income

    1.1

    1.2

    (0.1)

    -12%

    Selling and distribution expenses

    (5.9)

    (5.5)

    0.5

    +8%

    Administrative expenses

    (7.2)

    (7.1)

    0.1

    +1%

    R&D expenses

    (2.5)

    (2.3)

    0.1

    +6%

    Other expenses

    (0.3)

    (0.2)

    0.1

    +71%

    + Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    4.8

    4.8

    0.1

    +2%

    EBITDA

    11.5

    10.4

    1.1

    +11%

    EBITDA margin

    12.9%

    12.6%

    +0.3%

    - Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    (4.8)

    (4.8)

    0.1

    +2%

    EBIT

    6.7

    5.6

    1.0

    +18%

    EBIT margin

    7.4%

    6.8%

    +0.6%

    Financial income

    0.1

    0.1

    0.0

    -6%

    Financial expenses

    (1.7)

    (2.3)

    (0.7)

    -28%

    Result from associated companies

    0.2

    0.0

    0.2 n/m

    Net finance costs

    (1.4)

    (2.2)

    (0.8)

    -38%

    Profit/(Loss) before tax

    5.3

    3.4

    1.9

    +55%

    Income tax expense

    (1.2)

    (0.9)

    0.3

    +35%

    Profit/(Loss)

    4.1

    2.6

    1.6

    +61%

    GROUP FINANCIAL POSITION

    Statement of financial position

    in € million

    31/03/2026

    31/12/2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Non-current assets

    159.0

    159.0

    0.0

    0%

    Current assets

    173.9

    168.7

    5.1

    +3%

    Total Assets

    332.9

    327.8

    5.1

    +2%

    Total Equity

    140.4

    135.9

    4.4

    +3%

    Non-current liabilities

    104.9

    106.8

    (1.9)

    -2%

    Current Liabilities

    87.7

    85.0

    2.6

    +3%

    Total Equity and Liabilities

    332.9

    327.8

    5.1

    +2%

    Total Assets as of 31/03/2026 reached €332.9m.
  • Non-current assets remained unchanged vs. 31/12/2025 to €159.0m.
  • Current assets increased by some €5m vs. 31/12/2025 to €173.9m, largely on account of higher Contract assets (attributed to the accelerated implementation of contracted public sector digitization projects in Greece, which are invoiced upon project completion) as well as higher Trade & other receivables.

    Net Working Capital

    in € million

    31/03/2026

    31/12/2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Inventories

    66.7

    67.1

    (0.4)

    -1%

    Contract assets

    36.6

    28.8

    7.7

    +27%

    Current income tax assets

    0.9

    0.8

    0.2

    +20%

    Trade receivables

    41.6

    37.9

    3.7

    +10%

    Other receivables

    17.5

    9.0

    8.5

    +95%

    Assets

    163.3

    143.6

    19.7

    +14%

    Current income tax liabilities

    (4.5)

    (3.0)

    1.4

    +48%

    Trade payables

    (32.3)

    (41.1)

    (8.9)

    -22%

    Other payables

    (27.3)

    (17.8)

    9.5

    +54%

    Contract liabilities

    (7.2)

    (6.3)

    0.9

    +15%

    Deferred income

    (1.0)

    (1.2)

    (0.2)

    -19%

    Liabilities

    (72.2)

    (69.4)

    2.8

    +4%

    Net Working Capital

    91.1

    74.2

    16.9

    +23%

    % of Revenues (12 months rolling)

    24.8%

    20.6%

    Net Working Capital: the €17m increase vs. 31/12/2025 to €91.1m is predominantly attributed to:
  • the increase in Contract assets (€8m), related to the accelerated implementation of contracted public sector digitization projects in Greece, which are invoiced upon project completion, and

  • the reduction in Trade Payables (€9m), due to vendor payments for chips.

    Overall, based on the aforesaid drivers, the temporary increase in Net Working Capital as % of Revenues is largely attributed to project billing timing (i.e. increased capital tied up in project execution) and revenue mix effects, rather than any structural weakening in the underlying working capital management. By mid-2025 the Group successfully completed the renegotiation of its contractual purchasing obligations with main chip suppliers, resulting in reduced purchase obligations and improved purchase prices going forward. The positive effects of these measures together

    with the contract assets conversion into billings and cash collection, upon project completion, are expected to materialize in H2 2026, thus enabling the further normalisation of working capital requirements, ultimately leading to improved operating cash flow generation.

    Total Liabilities as of 31/03/2026 reached €192.5m, virtually unchanged vs. 31/12/2025.
  • Non-current liabilities declined by approximately €2m vs. 31/12/2025 to €104.9m, on account of lower Loans & borrowings.
  • Current liabilities increased by approximately €3m vs. 31/12/2025 to €87.7m, due to the increase in both other payables (VAT liabilities) and contract liabilities.

    Net Debt

    in € million

    31/03/2026

    31/12/2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Cash and cash equivalents (A)

    10.6

    25.1

    (14.5)

    -58%

    Loans and borrowings (B)

    105.1

    106.8

    (1.7)

    -2%

    Net Debt (B) - (A)

    94.5

    81.6

    12.9

    +16%

    Group Net Debt increased by €13m vs. 31/12/2025 to €94.5m, as the declining cash balance, due to the aforesaid temporary working capital-related cash utilization, more than offset an approx. €2m decline in Loans & borrowings. Group Leverage (Net Debt / EBITDA) of 1.9x, temporarily deteriorated vs. 1.7x in FY2025, while maintained at healthy levels, within our medium-term target range of 1.5x-2x. Total Equity as of 31/03/2026 reached €140.4m, a 3% increase vs. 31/12/2025, on the back of the net profit generation in the period.

    Financial Position | Key Metrics

    31/03/2026

    31/12/2025

    Total Equity / Total Assets (Equity Ratio)

    42.2%

    41.5%

    Net Debt / EBITDA (12 months rolling) (x)

    1.9

    1.7

    The Group's Equity Ratio (Total Equity divided by Total Assets) as of 31/03/2026 further increased to 42.2%, from 41.5% on 31/12/2025, reflecting an improvement in the Group's capital structure as well as balance sheet resilience, supported by retained earnings generation and disciplined balance sheet management. This higher equity buffer reduces financial risk, enhances loss-absorbing capacity, and provides greater flexibility to fund growth while maintaining healthy leverage levels.

    Statement of cash flows

    in € million

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    €m chg

    % chg

    Cash flows from operating activities

    (7.5)

    3.1

    (10.6)

    n/m

    Cash flows from investing activities

    (3.3)

    (2.9)

    0.4

    +14%

    Cash flows from financing activities

    (3.7)

    (2.8)

    1.0

    +35%

    Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (14.5)

    (2.5)

    (12.0)

    n/m

    Capital expenditure (CAPEX)

    incl. Right-of-use assets, excl. M&A

    (3.9)

    (3.8)

    0.1 +3%

    Cash flows from operating activities resulted in €7.5m net outflow, largely on account of the aforesaid temporary Net Working Capital build-up (€17m increase vs. 31/12/2025), driven by higher Contract assets (€8m) and declining Trade Payables (€9m). As previously explained (refer to the commentary on Net Working Capital), the increase in Contract assets is driven by the accelerated implementation of contracted Greek public sector digitization projects, which are invoiced upon project completion. Hence, we need to highlight that there's absolutely no structural

    weakening in the underlying working capital management, since these contract assets, upon project completion, will be converted into billings and cash collection, ultimately enhancing operating cash flow generation.

    Cash flows from investing activities resulted in €3.3m net outflow, a 14% increase vs. Q1 2025, driven by 13% increase in CAPEX, as we continue investing in Digital Technologies (e.g. GaiaB™, CaaS). The Group's total CAPEX (including Right-of-Use assets) in Q1 2026 amounted to €3.9m (+3% vs. Q1 2025). Cash flows from financing activities resulted in €3.7m net outflow, reflecting:
  • net repayments of loans and borrowings (€1.1m)

  • interest expenses (11% decline vs. Q1 2025 to €1.3m)

  • finance lease payments (5% increase vs. Q1 2025 to €1.1m)

Non-Financial Performance Indicators

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

chg

% chg

Number of sold cards (million)

28.3

26.1

2.2

+9%

Average number of employees (FTE)

2,108

2,111

(3)

0%

Group Headcount (end-of-period)

2,379

2,377

2

0%

SEGMENTS REPORTING Central Eastern Europe & DACH (CEE)

Segment performance

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Revenues

53.5

51.6

1.9

+4%

Costs of material & mailing

(29.4)

(27.5)

1.9

+7%

Gross profit I

24.1

24.2

0.0

0%

Gross profit I margin

45.1%

46.8%

-1.7%

Production costs

(12.9)

(12.4)

0.6

+4%

Gross profit II

11.2

11.8

(0.6)

-5%

Gross profit II margin

20.9%

22.8%

-1.9%

Other income

1.1

1.2

(0.1)

-11%

Selling and distribution expenses

(3.2)

(3.0)

0.2

+7%

Administrative expenses

(4.4)

(3.9)

0.5

+14%

R&D expenses

(2.0)

(1.9)

0.1

+7%

Other expenses

(0.1)

(0.2)

0.0

-22%

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

3.0

2.8

0.2

+9%

EBITDA

5.5

6.8

(1.3)

-19%

EBITDA margin

10.3%

13.2%

-2.9%

- Depreciation, amortization & impairment

(3.0)

(2.8)

0.2

+9%

EBIT

2.4

4.0

(1.6)

-39%

EBIT margin

4.6%

7.8%

-3.2%

Operating expenses (OPEX)

excl. Depreciation, amortization & impairment

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Production costs

(12.9)

(12.4)

0.6

+4%

Selling and distribution expenses

(3.2)

(3.0)

0.2

+7%

Administrative expenses

(4.4)

(3.9)

0.5

+14%

R&D expenses

(2.0)

(1.9)

0.1

+7%

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

3.0

2.8

0.2

+9%

Total

(19.5)

(18.4)

1.2

+6%

as % of Revenues

36.5%

35.6%

Western Europe, Nordics, Americas (WEST)

Segment performance

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Revenues

34.6

28.7

5.9

+21%

Costs of material & mailing

(18.0)

(15.8)

2.2

+14%

Gross profit I

16.6

12.8

3.7

+29%

Gross profit I margin

47.9%

44.8%

+3.1%

Production costs

(6.8)

(5.9)

0.9

+15%

Gross profit II

9.8

7.0

2.8

+41%

Gross profit II margin

28.3%

24.3%

+4.1%

Other income

0.1

0.0

0.0 n/m

Selling and distribution expenses

(2.3)

(2.0)

0.3

+15%

Administrative expenses

(2.3)

(2.0)

0.3

+14%

R&D expenses

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.0

-10%

Other expenses

(0.2)

(0.0)

0.2 n/m

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

1.6

1.8

(0.1)

-8%

EBITDA

6.5

4.5

2.0

+45%

EBITDA margin

18.8%

15.7%

+3.1%

- Depreciation, amortization & impairment

(1.6)

(1.8)

(0.1)

-8%

EBIT

4.9

2.7

2.1

+78%

EBIT margin

14.1%

9.6%

+4.6%

Operating expenses (OPEX)

excl. Depreciation, amortization & impairment

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Production costs

(6.8)

(5.9)

0.9

+15%

Selling and distribution expenses

(2.3)

(2.0)

0.3

+15%

Administrative expenses

(2.3)

(2.0)

0.3

+14%

R&D expenses

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.0

-10%

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

1.6

1.8

(0.1)

-8%

Total

(9.9)

(8.3)

1.6

+19%

as % of Revenues

28.7%

29.1%

Türkiye / Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Segment performance

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Revenues

7.9

7.6

0.3

+4%

Costs of material & mailing

(4.9)

(5.0)

(0.1)

-3%

Gross profit I

3.0

2.6

0.4

+16%

Gross profit I margin

38.4%

34.5%

+3.9%

Production costs

(1.9)

(1.5)

0.4

+28%

Gross profit II

1.1

1.1

0.0

0%

Gross profit II margin

14.6%

15.1%

-0.5%

Other income

0.0

0.0

--

--

Selling and distribution expenses

(0.4)

(0.4)

0.0

-9%

Administrative expenses

(0.4)

(0.2)

0.1

+51%

R&D expenses

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.1)

-32%

Other expenses

0.0

(0.0)

--

n/m

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

0.2

0.2

0.0

-19%

EBITDA

0.4

0.4

0.0

-6%

EBITDA margin

5.1%

5.6%

-0.5%

- Depreciation. amortization & impairment

(0.2)

(0.2)

0.0

-19%

EBIT

0.2

0.2

0.0

+6%

EBIT margin

3.0%

2.9%

+0.1%

Operating expenses (OPEX)

excl. Depreciation. amortization & impairment

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

€m chg

% chg

Production costs

(1.9)

(1.5)

0.4

+28%

Selling and distribution expenses

(0.4)

(0.4)

0.0

-9%

Administrative expenses

(0.4)

(0.2)

0.1

+51%

R&D expenses

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.1)

-32%

+ Depreciation. amortization & impairment

0.2

0.2

0.0

-19%

Total

(2.6)

(2.2)

0.4

+20%

as % of Revenues

33.3%

28.8%

The present Q1 2026 Press Release is available on the Company's website:

https://www.austriacard.com/investor-relations-ac/financial-reporting-ac/

Conference call Q1 2026 Financial Results

AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG Management will host a conference call and live webcast to present the Q1 2026 Financial Results.

Date Wednesday, 13th May 2026

Time 15:00 (GR)

14:00 (CET)

13:00 (UK)

08:00 (EST)

Duration The conference call is expected to last approximately 60 minutes, followed by Q&A

Live Conference Greece

Call



+30 213 009 6000 or +30 210 946 0800

Austria



+43 720 816 079

Germany



+49 (0) 800 588 9310

UK



+44 (0) 800 368 1063

USA



+1 516 447 5632

International

+44 (0) 203 059 5872

Live Webcast Real-time webcast (audio only) on the Internet:

LIVEWEBCAST



ABOUT AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG

AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of 2,360 people and is publicly traded on both the Euronext Athens and Vienna Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG.

Contact person: Mr. Dimitris Haralabopoulos, Group IR Director E-Mail: investors@austriacard.com

Tel (AT): +43 1 61065 357

Tel (GR): +30 210 669 78 60

Website: https://www.austriacard.com

Symbol: ACAG

ISIN: AT0000A325L0

Stock Exchanges: Vienna Prime Market (VSE), Euronext Athens Main Market (ATHEX)

APPENDIX
  1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    Consolidated statement of financial position

    in € thousand

    31 March 2026

    31 December 2025

    Assets

    Property, plant and equipment and right of use assets

    95,713

    96,022

    Intangible assets and goodwill

    57,195

    57,609

    Equity-accounted investees

    623

    423

    Other receivables

    1,244

    1,098

    Deferred tax assets

    4,252

    3,865

    Non-current assets

    159,026

    159,016

    Inventories

    66,703

    67,124

    Contract assets

    36,561

    28,824

    Current income tax assets

    923

    771

    Trade receivables

    41,596

    37,930

    Other receivables

    17,499

    8,959

    Cash and cash equivalents

    10,601

    25,139

    Current assets

    173,882

    168,748

    Total assets

    332,909

    327,764

    Equity

    Share capital

    36,354

    36,354

    Share premium

    32,749

    32,749

    Own shares

    (2,584)

    (2,584)

    Other reserves

    18,478

    18,232

    Retained earnings

    51,267

    47,512

    Equity attributable to owners of the Company

    136,264

    132,263

    Non-controlling interests

    4,095

    3,671

    Total Equity

    140,360

    135,934

    Liabilities

    Loans and borrowings

    89,627

    91,117

    Employee benefits

    3,909

    3,612

    Other payables

    1,404

    1,573

    Deferred tax liabilities

    9,956

    10,505

    Non-current liabilities

    104,896

    106,807

    Current tax liabilities

    4,453

    3,012

    Loans and borrowings

    15,476

    15,644

    Trade payables

    32,272

    41,124

    Other payables

    27,299

    17,765

    Contract liabilities

    7,162

    6,254

    Deferred income

    991

    1,224

    Current Liabilities

    87,654

    85,023

    Total Liabilities

    192,549

    191,830

    Total Equity and Liabilities

    332,909

    327,764

    Consolidated income statement (IFRS)

    in € thousand

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    Revenues

    89,409

    82,566

    Cost of sales

    (67,891)

    (63,034)

    Gross profit

    21,518

    19,532

    Other income

    1,052

    1,192

    Selling and distribution expenses

    (5,921)

    (5,469)

    Administrative expenses

    (7,224)

    (7,130)

    R&D expenses

    (2,464)

    (2,320)

    Other expenses

    (308)

    (180)

    + Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    4,848

    4,773

    EBITDA

    11,501

    10,399

    - Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    (4,848)

    (4,773)

    EBIT

    6,653

    5,625

    Financial income

    134

    142

    Financial expenses

    (1,697)

    (2,348)

    Result from associated companies

    200

    0

    Net finance costs

    (1,363)

    (2,206)

    Profit/(Loss) before tax

    5,290

    3,419

    Income tax expense

    (1,162)

    (860)

    Profit/(Loss)

    4,127

    2,560

    Profit/(Loss) attributable to:

    Owners of the Company

    3,507

    1,989

    Non-controlling interests

    620

    570

    Profit/(Loss)

    4,127

    2,560

    Earnings/(loss) per share

    basic

    0.10

    0.06

    diluted

    0.09

    0.05

    Consolidated statement of cash flows

    in € thousand

    Q1 2026

    Q1 2025

    Cash flows from operating activities

    Profit/(Loss) before tax

    5,290

    3,419

    Adjustments for:

    -Depreciation, amortization & impairment

    4,848

    4,773

    -Net finance costs

    1,363

    2,206

    -Other non-cash transactions

    158

    180

    11,660

    10,579

    Changes in:

    -Inventories

    421

    3,478

    -Contract assets

    (7,737)

    (2,863)

    -Trade and other receivables

    (6,671)

    (940)

    -Contract liabilities

    908

    1,039

    -Trade and other payables

    (5,188)

    (7,582)

    -Taxes paid

    (876)

    (611)

    Net cash from/(used in) operating activities

    (7,482)

    3,101

    Cash flows from investment activities

    Interest received

    134

    142

    Payments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets

    (3,431)

    (3,030)

    Net cash from/(used in) investing activities

    (3,297)

    (2,888)

    Cash flows from financing activities

    Interest paid

    (1,323)

    (1,481)

    Proceeds from loans and borrowings

    2,467

    5,019

    Repayment of loans and borrowings

    (3,550)

    (4,555)

    Payment of lease liabilities

    (1,120)

    (1,069)

    Acquisition of own shares

    0

    (520)

    Acquisition of non-controlling interest

    0

    (155)

    Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

    (196)

    0

    Dividends paid to owners of the company

    0

    0

    Net cash from/(used in) financing activities

    (3,722)

    (2,762)

    Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (14,501)

    (2,549)

    Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

    25,139

    21,737

    Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash held

    (37)

    (277)

    Cash at 31 March

    10,601

    18,911

  2. SEGMENT REPORTING

Q1 2026

in € thousand

CEE WEST MEA Corporate Eliminations Total

Revenues

48,278

33,496

7,635

0

0

89,409

Intersegment revenues

5,207

1,069

244

1,348

(7,868)

0

Segment revenues

53,486

34,564

7,879

1,348

(7,868)

89,409

Costs of material & mailing

(29,383)

(18,002)

(4,854)

0

5,930

(46,309)

Gross profit I

24,102

16,562

3,025

1,348

(1,938)

43,100

Production costs

(12,940)

(6,765)

(1,877)

0

0

(21,582)

Gross profit II

11,163

9,797

1,148

1,348

(1,938)

21,518

Other income

1,057

52

0

0

(56)

1,052

Selling and distribution expenses

(3,230)

(2,336)

(364)

0

9

(5,921)

Administrative expenses

(4,405)

(2,317)

(352)

(2,074)

1,922

(7,224)

R&D expenses

(2,015)

(131)

(199)

(182)

63

(2,464)

Other expenses

(126)

(175)

0

(8)

0

(308)

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

3,041

1,623

169

16

0

4,848

EBITDA

5,485

6,513

402

(899)

0

11,501

- Depreciation, amortization & impairment

(3,041)

(1,623)

(169)

(16)

0

(4,848)

EBIT

2,444

4,890

233

(915)

0

6,653

Financial income

134

Financial expenses

(1,697)

Result from associated companies

200

Net finance costs

(1,363)

Profit/(Loss) before tax

5,290

Income tax expense

(1,162)

Profit/(Loss)

4,127

Q1 2025

in € thousand

CEE WEST MEA Corporate Eliminations Total

Revenues

48,070

26,899

7,598

0

0

82,566

Intersegment revenues

3,553

1,754

5

935

(6,247)

0

Segment revenues

51,623

28,653

7,603

935

(6,247)

82,566

Costs of material & mailing

(27,471)

(15,819)

(4,983)

0

4,976

(43,297)

Gross profit I

24,152

12,834

2,619

935

(1,272)

39,269

Production costs

(12,388)

(5,877)

(1,471)

0

0

(19,737)

Gross profit II

11,764

6,957

1,148

935

(1,272)

19,532

Other income

1,183

9

0

0

0

1,192

Selling and distribution expenses

(3,029)

(2,037)

(402)

0

0

(5,469)

Administrative expenses

(3,869)

(2,032)

(233)

(2,268)

1,272

(7,130)

R&D expenses

(1,879)

(146)

(291)

(4)

0

(2,320)

Other expenses

(161)

(6)

(1)

(13)

0

(180)

+ Depreciation, amortization & impairment

2,797

1,763

208

5

0

4,773

EBITDA

6,807

4,507

429

(1,344)

0

10,399

- Depreciation, amortization & impairment

(2,797)

(1,763)

(208)

(5)

0

(4,773)

EBIT

4,010

2,744

221

(1,349)

0

5,625

Financial income

142

Financial expenses

(2,348)

Result from associated companies

0

Net finance costs

(2,206)

Profit/(Loss) before tax

3,419

Income tax expense

(860)

Profit/(Loss)

2,560

Reclassification of Revenues by Solution

From Q1 2026 onwards the Identity & Payment solutions revenues include revenues related to the distribution services of personalized cards (fulfillment), which were previously classified within the Document Lifecycle Management revenues. This reclassification accurately reflects revenues related to the Group's Payment solutions. The table below presents the details of the reclassification for each period in 2025.

Revenues by Solution

in € million

Q1 2026

Q1 2025

H1 2025

9M 2025

FY2025

Identity & Payment

56.5

52.7

104.1

159.5

222.3

Document Lifecycle Management

19.7

22.6

44.4

80.4

103.7