Intershop Communications AG reported a positive operating result for the first nine months of 2026, a significant turnaround from the previous year's loss, as aggressive cost-cutting measures offset a decline in overall revenues. The company, a global provider of agentic B2B commerce solutions, generated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 0.2 million, compared to EUR -1.4 million in the same period of 2025. This marks the third consecutive quarter with a positive operating result, signaling that the recovery that began at the end of 2025 is stabilizing.
The improvement came despite a 7% drop in revenues to EUR 23.4 million, down from EUR 25.2 million. Total expenses fell by 13% to EUR 23.2 million as a result of cost discipline initiated in the prior year. Research and development expenses declined by 6% to EUR 5.1 million, sales and marketing costs dropped 10% to EUR 4.2 million, and general administrative expenses edged down to EUR 2.2 million. Gross margin improved by two percentage points to 48%, even as gross profit slipped slightly to EUR 11.3 million.
The company's strategic shift toward cloud-based offerings continued to gain traction. Cloud revenues rose 2% to EUR 15.7 million and now account for 67% of total revenues, up six percentage points year-over-year. More importantly, incoming cloud orders jumped 29% to EUR 14.2 million, with new customers contributing EUR 3.7 million and existing customers EUR 10.5 million. Cloud annual recurring revenues (ARR) stood at EUR 20.3 million as of September 30, 2026, up 3% from the prior year. Net new ARR, a key indicator of future growth, showed a clear upward trend, rising to EUR 0.5 million in the third quarter from EUR 0.2 million in the second quarter.
"Nine months into the year, the positive trend seen in the first two quarters continues: our consistent cost discipline is paying off, we have once again generated positive EBIT, and we are on track to meet our full-year targets," said Markus Dränert, CEO of Intershop Communications AG. He noted that customers' willingness to invest remains subdued, but the recovery is stable. Dränert also highlighted that independent analysts confirmed the company's direction, with Intershop winning top medals in 11 of 12 categories in the Paradigm B2B Combine 2026.
Cash flow from operating activities improved significantly to EUR 3.6 million from EUR 1.6 million, and cash and cash equivalents rose to EUR 9.6 million. The equity ratio increased slightly to 37%. Intershop confirmed its forecast for the full year 2026, expecting incoming cloud orders and net new ARR at the previous year's level, revenues to decline by a slightly smaller percentage than in the previous year, and a balanced operating result (EBIT). The quarterly statement is available at https://www.intershop.com/financial-reports. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
