TalkPool

april– june key developments

• Business as usual with no significant events or extraordinary influence.
• Talkpool’s underlaying operational business and order inflow continued to improve.
• Reduce to the MAX: Continued focus on day-to-day operational business. Cutting all kinds of avoidable costs while starting initial preparation for future growth.
• Talkpool discontinued its attempt to sell the Pakistani business. A management initiative for making optimal use of the Pakistani asset was initiated in June.
• The companies in Germany and Switzerland overperformed compared to the internal budget whereas the Pakistani business continued to underperform in the second quarter.
• Talkpool’s first share options scheme was launched and the tax authorities in Switzerland issued a ruling approving the overall scheme until 2031. The option scheme intends to inzentivize key staff and improve long-term profit margins

Management comments

The second quarter of 2024 marked a period of stabilization for Talkpool, as the company maintained a steady course. Growth during the first half of the year was almost flat compared to the previous quarter and the same period in 2023. The company focused primarily on day-to-day operations and business administration, with limited resources allocated to strategic development or sales efforts. Consequently, growth initiatives were minimal, and no significant new business was pursued during this period.

Over the past few years, Talkpool has achieved a decent turnaround, revitalising both its operations and its financial health. Although Talkpool usually experiences a seasonal slowdown during the summer due to holidays, this year has been an exception, with no noticeable reduction in activity. Operational cashflow reached an all-time high in 24Q2, and order intake continued to improve. This positive trend has been ongoing since Talkpool pivoted back to its core competency in 2022, driving steady operational improvements over the past few  years.

In preparation for future growth, Talkpool is expanding its fixed network planning operations in Germany by adding capacity. It is also strengthening its businesses in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to ensure they contribute more effectively to the overall group.

With its positioning in technology and the growing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) services, Talkpool is preparing to capitalize on these opportunities, having already secured its first AI order. Looking ahead, more resources will be allocated to business development and crafting a new business plan. After strategic recalibration work in the second half of 2024, the company is poised to embark on a dynamic new phase of growth, setting the stage for a more expansion-focused future.

This is an executive summary of Talkpool's 24Q2 report.

The full interim report is attached to the press release and available on https://talkpool.com/press-releases/