Anbei der Entwurf für eine Mail an Buffet. Falls ihr noch weitere spezifische Fragen/ Punkte habt, teilt die gerne mit. Dann kann ich die nicht aufnehmen.
Subject: Critical Investor Questions on Strategic Direction, Margin Development, and Capital Structure at Cegedim
Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Mr. Buffet,
Since my last letter in spring 2024, Cegedim’s share price has significantly underperformed the broader market and peer software-and-services companies. This persistent underperformance—despite solid operational progress—is deeply disappointing. I continue to believe in the value-creation potential of your business model; however, there is a lack of a clearly communicated strategy and visible commitment to sustainably improving the share price. Investor relations appear reactive and insufficiently ambitious—many long-term shareholders feel there is no continuous engagement or genuine interest in fostering lasting investor relationships.
In light of the 2024 Annual Report (Revenue: €654.5 million / +6.3%; Recurring Operating Income: €39.5 million / 6.0% margin) and the Q1 2025 Update (Revenue Q1: €161.3 million / +4.5% LFL; Recurring EBIT benefit from INPS exit: +€5 million), I kindly request concrete responses to the following topics:
1. Share Price Performance & Value Drivers
How does management explain the disconnect between operational improvements and the disappointing share price performance?
Which investor-relations initiatives (e.g., investor events, roadshows, targeted communications) are planned to restore market confidence and eliminate the valuation discount?
2. Outlook for 2025/2026 & Margin Targets
You guide for 2–4% like-for-like revenue growth in 2025, accompanied by further margin expansion. a) What EBIT margin targets do you specifically aim for in 2025 and 2026 and in the longer run? b) Over what timeline do you intend to approach the industry-standard margin levels of leading software peers (e.g., 12–15%)? c) Which strategic measures are required to ensure the market no longer perceives Cegedim as a structurally low-margin provider?
3. Cegedim Santé & Visiodent
The break-even target for Cegedim Santé remains set for 2025. a) Is the break-even trajectory still on track (e.g., contribution per user, adoption trends of the Maiia platform)? b) What quantitative margin contribution do you expect from the Visiodent integration by mid-2025? Are there further M&A opportunities planned in the healthcare segment?
4. Pharmacy Software “Nouvel Espace de Vente” (NEV)
NEV was launched to regain market share in the French pharmacy software market. a) How many pharmacies have implemented NEV to date, and what is the average contribution margin per installation? b) From which quarter do you expect a material EBIT contribution from this solution?
5. UK Strategy Post-INPS Exit
What are the current remaining burdens in the UK segment, particularly related to the still-restructured pharmacy business or transitional costs following the INPS exit?
From when does management anticipate the remaining UK operations (including Scotland) will contribute positively to consolidated operating income?
6. Capital Allocation, Interest Burden & Financial Strategy
Is there a medium-term strategy to reduce interest expenses (e.g., via targeted deleveraging, refinancing, or proceeds from divesting non-core businesses)?
Has the Board discussed structural measures—such as segment divestitures or joint-venture models—to strengthen the balance sheet?
Cegedim generated a robust €185 million free cash flow in 2024. How will these funds be prioritized among M&A, product development (e.g., Santé, AI), and debt reduction? What role does deleveraging play in your capital-allocation framework?
7. Investor Relations & Transparency
Will the segment disclosures presented in the annual report be maintained in future quarterly reports?
Are you planning regular webcasts, analyst calls, or roadshows to professionalize capital-market engagement and build investor trust?
8. Cost Control, Productivity & AI Investments
What specific measures were implemented in 2024 to reduce the structural cost base (e.g., workforce optimization, process digitization, IT streamlining)?
What medium-term efficiency levers do you foresee (e.g., scalable cloud services, centralized back-office functions)?
Is there an internal KPI system (e.g., revenue or EBIT per employee) to track productivity gains?
How does management balance AI investment needs (e.g., within Cegedim Business Services) against margin preservation? What measures ensure that new technology initiatives do not become a disproportionate cost burden?
Closing Remarks Cegedim possesses an attractive product portfolio and a capable management team. My questions aim to bridge the gap between operational performance and market valuation through clear targets, disciplined execution, and transparent communication. I look forward to your detailed responses and to a constructive, long-term dialogue that strengthens shareholder confidence.
Thank you for your time and your commitment to this exchange.
Sincerely, .... |