Jón Björnsson, CEO of Origo hf:
"Improved operations characterised Origo's results in the third quarter of 2021. Revenue grew by 7% and the Company delivered a 10.4% EBITDA in the quarter, a 30% improvement from the previous year. However, comparisons with the prior year period are to some extent affected by Covid 19, which had a greater impact on last year's operations. In the first nine months of the year, revenue growth is 5.8% and the EBITDA ratio is 8.5%. Revenue growth was strongest in end-user equipment or 17%, software sales were by more than 7%, but there was a decline in managed services, mainly due to lower infrastructure sales.

Emphasis on new sales channels, increased productization and packaging of Origo's services have been the key points of focus in our operations over the past few months. At the same time, the Company has launched a number of projects aimed at improving the community in which it operates. To this end, Origo has framed its social journey around four main themes: Climate action, innovation, responsible consumption and gender equality. We believe that we can improve in all these areas, both internally but also by creating products and services that enable our customers to accelerate these positive social changes. For instance, we just launched a new solution for equal pay certification, Justly Pay, which enables companies to follow a digital journey in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining equal pay certification, which has become mandatory for most businesses. It is my hope that Origo can become a leader in the development of solutions that improve society. Thus, it is crucial that we further strengthen this type of innovation within the Company. We will focus on simplifying the structure and investing in and developing the staff and technology environment needed to do so.

Demand remains good for solutions and products in End-User Equipment. The increase was 14% in the third quarter, and if you look at a two-year comparison, the increase is 27%. In terms of profitability, the unit delivered excellent results with EBITDA of around 10%. New sales channels, a strong online store and Tölvutek are key factors in this revenue increase, as well as the fact that core operations have been strong despite delays in product delivery and a global supply shortage, which have created challenges in the supply chain. Online store sales were up 76% in the first nine months of the year and now account for 30% of unit's turnover. We can still expect some challenges on the supply side, both in terms of the product offering and price increases. In August, Origo announced the acquisition of a 70% stake in Eldhaf, an importer of Apple products. The acquisition was approved by the Icelandic Competition Authority without conditions earlier this month and the company will therefore become part of the Origo group from mid-October.

Origo's Operational service and infrastructure solutions are in a transformation phase where work is being done to transform older sources of revenue and simplify the product offering. Revenue increased slightly, by around 2%, during the quarter, but profit improved by 18% compared with the prior year quarter. The shift in focus is therefore beginning to bear fruit, with an emphasis on creating more flexibility for customers when it comes to choosing the right technical solutions and better supporting customers' strategies. In response to the growing need for businesses to start shifting their operations to the cloud, Origo introduced a new approach to cloud services called Léttský. Léttský is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that choose to outsource technology and security matters so that they can concentrate on day-to-day operations. Cloud solutions and the automation of business processes play an important role, as we have significantly increased our knowledge and experience in providing consultation and implementing solutions that simplify and make better use of IT solutions in enterprise operating environments.

It is important for all enterprises to ensure adequate cyber security, monitoring of IT systems and employee security awareness in their operations. With the increasing use of digital technology, there are more ways for bad actors to penetrate defences and exploit weaknesses for financial gain. Origo worked with TM Insurance to design an insurance category that protects businesses against financial loss that may arise from cyber attacks. Before insurance is written, Origo will conduct an assessment of the cyber security framework of the company in question and propose improvements that reduce the likelihood of its operations being disrupted by cyber attacks. This type of insurance and service model has not previously been available in for small and medium-sized businesses and we at Origo are very proud of the collaboration. TM customers will benefit from stronger cyber security and better protection of their IT systems. In addition, the insurance package comes with instructions on the main risks that employees must avoid in their daily use of, and communication via, the company's IT system. Origo has a 24/7 response team that assists companies in the unfortunate event of a loss. Immediate action will be taken to prevent further damage and restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Syndis has launched Syndis Software with the aim of focusing on software development in the field of security. Considerable intellectual property has been created in Syndis over the years and our goal is to use this as a foundation for further product development at the company.

In general, Origo's domestic software units are doing well, delivering revenue growth and improved results. However, the third quarter at Applicon was considerably lower than the prior year quarter, as the final two quarters of last year were characterised by lucrative implementation projects. Applicon's fourth-quarter results can therefore be expected to fall short of the corresponding 2020 results. Nevertheless, the sales pipeline at Applicon looks promising and the changes implemented by the new management in recent months are beginning to take shape. Sales of enterprise solutions in Iceland were up strongly during the quarter, especially sales of own software, which now account for more than 20% of the segment's total revenue. Profitability for the period was good, although third-quarter results have generally lagged behind the summer months. Customers have embraced our new offerings, including products for the Kjarni human resources and payroll system and add-ons for SAP and Business Central. The sales pipeline looks good and the project status is generally robust. We have also been successful in strengthening knowledge and getting projects in the field of business intelligence, in addition to which new and exciting solutions in that field are emerging.

Other software units delivered decent year-over-year revenue growth. In recent months, Origo has assisted the Ministry of Finance with the Digital Iceland project and in August we were selected for continued collaboration following an extensive bidding process. Consulting and custom development of solutions for customers has been successful both in terms of projects related to digital transformation of enterprises in general and greater utilisation of self-service for customers as well as projects related to healthcare solutions. As part of our focus on solutions that improve society, we are committed to being a leader in solutions for the healthcare sector. The need for solutions in healthcare has increased and their development has had to take place much faster than before. Our guiding principle in this field is that our solutions simplify work and enhance user convenience. There are many projects underway in health solutions, including exciting innovations that we will present in the coming months, projects that are in user testing such as an app for inpatient wards at hospitals and nursing homes, and projects that have been introduced to health institutions such as our drug management solution that increases safety in drug administration. In addition, all health institutions in Iceland have decided to use the Smásaga home nursing app. The advantages of Smásaga became clear when important activities had to be maintained during the height of Covid 19, when home nursing staff attended to one of the most vulnerable groups in the country with the help of the solution.

Tempo continues to perform well with most key indicators strengthening. Focusing on larger customers with more than 1,000 employees has been successful and is expected to continue. Increased investment in Tempo's partner program has paid off, with most larger customers being obtained through such parties. The team that services them has been expanded to provide additional services and training. Revenues were up 37% in the third quarter and 36% in the first 9 months. EBITDA was up around 84% from the prior year quarter and came in at 25%, with EBITDA of 27% expected for the full year.

Origo expects a similar trend in the final quarter of the year, although supply chain disruptions could have some impact. The Company's efforts to make units more independent and increase flexibility and efficiency have the goal of building a stronger company and improved operations. With a strategic approach to sales and marketing, we will be able to utilize the economies of scale that the Company has at its disposal and further build on our strong position as a service company with a future in helping enterprises and consumers to cope with and take advantage of the opportunities and changes that the digital environment has to offer".