Columbus launches new AI strategy following continued growth in Q3

Columbus today launches ASTRA 29, its new strategy for 2027–2029, setting out to build a more scalable and profitable business by combining deep industry expertise with AI-driven capabilities. The launch follows a third quarter with revenue growth accelerating to 6% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.3%, up from 6.9% in Q3 2025.

Building on its New Heights strategy, Columbus is taking the next step in its transformation, moving beyond traditional technology implementation towards AI-driven services, new business models and stronger profitability.

"Columbus is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the opportunities created by AI. By combining our deep industry expertise and strong customer relationships with new AI-driven capabilities, we see significant opportunities to expand our services, accelerate growth and strengthen profitability. With ASTRA 29, we are ready to turn these opportunities into reality," says Søren Krogh Knudsen, CEO & President of Columbus.

Q3 showed continued growth and improved underlying profitability
Columbus continued its positive development in Q3 2026, delivering revenue growth of 6% to DKK 367m. Growth was primarily driven by increased customer activity within Data & AI, while Dynamics 365 also contributed positively, particularly in the Norwegian market.

Underlying profitability also improved. Adjusted EBITDA increased to DKK 38m, corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.3%, compared to 6.9% in Q3 2025. Higher operational efficiency and better utilisation of resources contributed positively to earnings. During the quarter, Columbus also adjusted its capacity and cost base to better align the organisation with market conditions and the requirements of its new strategy.

Reported EBITDA amounted to DKK 18m, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 4.8%. The result was impacted by restructuring costs of DKK 20m recognised during the quarter.

"Q3 shows that we are moving in the right direction. Growth has picked up, we are operating more efficiently, and we are beginning to see the impact of the changes we have made. We are not there yet, but the improvement in profitability gives us a good starting point for the next chapter of Columbus," says Søren Krogh Knudsen.

ASTRA 29 – Building the next Columbus
With ASTRA 29, Columbus aims to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in business-critical technology while capitalising on the opportunities created by AI. The strategy focuses on three must-win battles:

• Strengthen existing services through AI-enabled delivery, improving productivity and how we capture the value we create.
• Develop new agentic services that connect systems, data and business processes.
• Expand as an operating partner, taking greater responsibility for running and continuously improving customers' solutions.

A key shift in ASTRA 29 is how Columbus delivers services and generates revenue. Rather than relying primarily on consultants' billable hours, Columbus aims to increasingly combine human expertise with AI agents, take responsibility for defined outcomes and build longer-term customer engagements. This changes not only how services are delivered, but also how Columbus creates and captures value.

The transformation is already underway. During Q3, Columbus entered into its first Augmented Delivery contracts, combining consultants and AI agents to deliver defined outcomes at a fixed price rather than through traditional time-based billing.

"ASTRA 29 is about building the next Columbus. By combining our existing strengths with new AI-driven capabilities and business models that allow us to grow without increasing costs at the same pace, we aim to create more value for our customers, employees and shareholders while strengthening both growth and profitability," says Søren Krogh Knudsen.

Financial outlook and 2029 ambitions
As announced on 22 October 2026, Columbus expects the following for the full year 2026:

• Organic revenue growth to be in the range of 2–3%
• EBITDA margin to be approximately 6%

With ASTRA 29, Columbus introduces new financial ambitions for 2029, targeting revenue growth, improved profitability and a higher share of recurring revenue.

Financial ambitions for 2029

• Revenue: DKK 2bn
• EBITDA: DKK 300m
• Recurring revenue as share of total revenue: 20%

Key figures Q3 2026

• Revenue: DKK 367m (Q3 2025: DKK 347m)
• Adjusted EBITDA: DKK 38m (Q3 2025: DKK 24m)
• Adjusted EBITDA margin: 10.3% (Q3 2025: 6.9%)
• CFFO: DKK 55m (YTD 2025: DKK 7m)
• Efficiency: 62% (Q3 2025: 58%)

Key figures YTD 2026

• Revenue: DKK 1,205m (YTD 2025: DKK 1,191m)
• Adjusted EBITDA: DKK 81m (YTD 2025: DKK 89m)
• Adjusted EBITDA margin: 6.7% (YTD 2025: 7.4%)
• CFFO: DKK 14m (YTD 2025: DKK 42m)
• Efficiency: 63% (YTD 2025: 61%)

Read the Interim Report Q3 2026 here: https://storage.googleapis.com/inderes-widgets-prod-assets/columbus/attachments/26e62218-bc99-489e-b99b-980b28cf392d/columbus-interim-report-q3-2026.pdf

Read the company release about the new strategy here: https://storage.googleapis.com/inderes-widgets-prod-assets/columbus/attachments/dc7286f7-b725-4480-b904-96d29c9a9177/se-68-2026-columbus-announces-new-strategy.pdf