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Stock Analysis & ValuationOTRS AG (TR9.DE)

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Previous Close
17.55
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Low
Valuation methodValue, Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)804.964487
Intrinsic value (DCF)6.92-61
Graham-Dodd Methodn/a
Graham Formulan/a

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

OTRS AG is a Germany-based software company specializing in service management solutions, including its flagship OTRS ticket and process management system. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Oberursel, the company provides IT service management (ITSM), cybersecurity incident management (STORM), and ISMS implementation (CONTROL) solutions. OTRS AG serves a diverse range of industries globally, offering both on-premise and cloud-based service desk software, along with customization, security, and managed services. The company operates in the competitive Software - Application sector, catering to businesses seeking automation, orchestration, and efficient incident response. Despite its niche focus, OTRS AG faces challenges in profitability, as reflected in its recent financial performance. With a market cap of approximately €35.4 million, the company remains a small but specialized player in the ITSM and cybersecurity software markets.

Investment Summary

OTRS AG presents a high-risk investment opportunity due to its niche market positioning and recent financial struggles, including a net loss of €1.08 million in FY 2023. The company operates in the competitive IT service management and cybersecurity software space, where larger players dominate. While its specialized solutions (OTRS, STORM, CONTROL) cater to specific enterprise needs, revenue growth appears stagnant (€12.3 million in 2023), and operating cash flow remains negative. The small market cap and low beta (0.015) suggest limited liquidity and minimal correlation with broader markets. A modest dividend (€0.10 per share) provides some yield, but investors should weigh this against profitability concerns. Potential upside could come from cybersecurity demand (STORM) or acquisition interest, but execution risks persist.

Competitive Analysis

OTRS AG competes in the fragmented IT service management (ITSM) and cybersecurity incident response markets. Its primary competitive advantage lies in its specialized, modular software (OTRS for ticketing, STORM for security orchestration) tailored for mid-market enterprises. Unlike broader SaaS platforms, OTRS focuses on deep workflow customization and on-premise deployments, appealing to industries with strict compliance needs. However, its small scale (€12.3M revenue) limits R&D spending compared to global SaaS leaders. The company’s German roots provide regional strength in DACH markets but hinder U.S. penetration. STORM differentiates in cybersecurity automation but competes against dedicated SOAR platforms. Financial constraints (negative EPS, cash flow) may impede cloud transition, a key industry trend. OTRS’s open-source heritage fosters developer engagement but risks revenue cannibalization. Competitively, it lacks the AI/ML capabilities increasingly embedded in rivals’ offerings. Partnerships (e.g., with MSPs) could amplify distribution, but sales scalability remains unproven. The balance sheet (no debt, €2.8M cash) offers stability but limits aggressive expansion.

Major Competitors

  • ServiceNow (NOW): ServiceNow dominates the ITSM space with a cloud-first platform and extensive AI integrations. Its scale ($8.6B revenue in 2023) and enterprise focus overshadow OTRS’s niche. Strengths include workflow automation and IT operations management (ITOM). Weaknesses: less customizable for mid-market, higher cost. OTRS competes on price and on-premise flexibility.
  • Atos SE (ATLO.PA): Atos provides IT service management via its Evidian division, overlapping with OTRS in European markets. Strengths: global delivery, hybrid cloud solutions. Weaknesses: financial instability (restructuring). OTRS is more agile but lacks Atos’s consulting reach.
  • Softtek (BMV:SOFI): Softtek offers ITSM tools for Latin American enterprises. Strengths: nearshoring demand, bilingual support. Weaknesses: limited cybersecurity focus. OTRS’s STORM platform has an edge in security automation but lacks Softtek’s regional presence.
  • Swisscom AG (SAB.SW): Swisscom’s IT services include Remedy-based ITSM, competing with OTRS in DACH. Strengths: telecom integration, managed services. Weaknesses: less product-centric. OTRS provides more standalone software flexibility.
  • Atlassian (Jira Service Management) (JIRA): Atlassian’s Jira Service Management is a cloud-based ITSM leader with developer-friendly pricing. Strengths: agile integration, low-code. Weaknesses: less suited for complex workflows. OTRS competes with deeper process customization but lacks Atlassian’s ecosystem.
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