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 Jena-based provider of agentic B2B commerce solutions generated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 0.2 million, compared with a loss of EUR 1.4 million in the same period of 2025. The result marks the third consecutive quarter of positive operating performance, a sign that the company's restructuring efforts are yielding sustainable results.
Revenues for the period fell to EUR 23.4 million from EUR 25.2 million, a decline the company attributed to its ongoing strategic shift toward cloud-based offerings. However, cloud revenues grew by 2% to EUR 15.7 million and now account for 67% of total revenues, up six percentage points year-on-year. More importantly, incoming cloud orders surged by 29% to EUR 14.2 million, with new customers contributing EUR 3.7 million and existing customers EUR 10.5 million. This growth in orders signals that demand for Intershop's commerce platform remains robust despite subdued customer willingness to invest.
Cloud annual recurring revenues (ARR) stood at EUR 20.3 million as of 30 September 2026, a 3% increase from the prior year. New ARR rose by 27% to EUR 2.1 million. Net new ARR, which subtracts terminations, showed a clear upward trend, rising to EUR 0.5 million in the third quarter from EUR 0.2 million in the second quarter.
Total expenses declined by 13% to EUR 23.2 million, reflecting consistent cost discipline initiated in the previous year. Research and development expenses fell by 6% to EUR 5.1 million, while sales and marketing costs decreased by 10% to EUR 4.2 million. General administrative expenses also declined slightly to EUR 2.2 million. As a result, gross margin improved by two percentage points to 48%.
Cash flow from operating activities increased 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 improved slightly to 37%.
CEO Markus Dränert commented that the positive trend seen in the first two quarters continues, with cost discipline paying off and the company on track to meet full-year targets. He also noted that independent analysts confirmed Intershop's strategic direction, with the company winning top medals in 11 of 12 categories in the Paradigm B2B Combine 2026.
Intershop confirmed its forecast for the financial year 2026, expecting incoming cloud orders and net new ARR at the previous year's level, a slightly smaller percentage decline in revenues, and a balanced operating result. The full quarterly statement is available in the company's financial reports. The original release was distributed via www.newmediawire.com.
