After shedding PlanetArt and Devices, Claranova shows a net profit

After spinning off PlanetArt to management and divesting itself of devices to focus on its imaging software business, Claranova improved its operating margin and recorded a positive net result while keeping its debt under control for the first half of fiscal year 2025-2026, in line with its commitments, the company said. Half-year revenue was impacted by external factors (currency exchange and the sale of non-core businesses – combined impact of -10%) and a slowdown in Utility and Photo sales, partially offset by strong sales momentum (+6%) in the Document (PDF) segment.

The operating margin increased by more than 2 points, driven by the sale of non-core businesses in the United States, lower royalty costs associated with Utility sales, disciplined operating costs, and a reallocation of marketing investments to customer acquisition, primarily focused on Document (PDF). As previously announced, the reinvestment strategy in the Document (PDF) has increased the contribution of sales to professionals (6% of revenue).

Furthermore, the group’s financial result improved by €5 million thanks to a 65% decrease in the cost of financial debt (€3 million compared to €8.5 million in H1 2024-2025). This positive trajectory resulted in a rebound in net income from continuing operations, which returned to positive territory at €2.3 million, accompanied by a reduction in net debt. Based on these results, the group, in accordance with its commitments, confirms the progress of its discussions with banks to refinance Cheyne debt at competitive market rates.

The group is continuing its investments in its marketing and sales organization to strengthen its visibility in the B2B channel and to develop new products and partnerships in Intelligent Documents, such as the partnership established with Reverso. The ramp-up of its B2B offering, driven by its technology portal, has resulted in an increase of over 30% in prospects and potential clients for proprietary products positioned at the heart of document transformation through artificial intelligence.

“In less than twelve months, we have profoundly transformed the group and strengthened its financial structure,” said Eric Gareau, CEO of Claranova. “The results of this first half confirm the relevance of this strategic repositioning. We now have a clearer, more profitable model that is structurally geared towards cash generation. There is still work to be done, but this transformation, focused on recurring revenue and strengthening our higher-value B2B customer base, is completely changing the group’s profile.”