derwent
- 02 Dec 2007 09:55
With the share price now 195p
Company expanding
�40m debt paid as of 30 Nov
Starting a share buy back
This was published: 24 July 2007 The Independent on Sunday
Edited by Andrew Dewson
SThree
Our view: Buy
Current price: 488.75p
Despite being perhaps the least well known name in recruitment among the mid caps, SThree has kept up the pace with higher profile rivals Robert Walters and Michael Page.
Its shares have risen by more than 125 per cent since listing in late 2005 and if yesterday's interim results are anything to go by there looks to be more upside left.
Although the company has invested heavily in the last 12 months on headcount, information technology systems and new offices, first half pre-tax profits still rose by an impressive 32 per cent to �19.2m, and would have been 54 per cent better had it not been for the investment programme.
SThree provides staff across a wide range of sectors, providing temporary and permanent placements in computing, engineering, telecoms, human resources and pharmaceuticals, even if 80 per cent of its business is still in IT.
It operates out of 48 offices in seven countries and there is scope for more expansion in emerging and developed economies. New offices were opened in Rotterdam and Brussels in the first half and Hong Kong and Dubai will open in the second half.
SThree has moved away from more cyclical temporary recruitment and now makes exactly 50 per cent of its profits from permanent placements. Trading on under 15 times forecast 2008 earnings, SThree is on a discount to its two main UK peers and the recruitment industry looks to be in excellent health. Yesterday's bout of profit taking represents a good buying opportunity.
oilyrag
- 03 Dec 2007 07:09
- 2 of 68
Sorry derwent, where do you get sp of 488.75p. My screen shows sp of 196p and this has been decreasing to this level for some time.
derwent
- 03 Dec 2007 08:34
- 3 of 68
The article was published on the 24 July 2007 when the share price was 488.75p.
My point is that if it was recommended as a buy at 488.75 then at 196p it is great value for money.
oilyrag
- 03 Dec 2007 08:47
- 4 of 68
Sorry, didn't read the header properly.
avsec
- 03 Dec 2007 17:07
- 5 of 68
Been with them from the start and through the heady times of 500+.
Had hoped to have heard something last week but I have just bought more - up 7.2% today.
Showing as Strong buy (4x) and Buy (2x) in another forum.
Avsec
derwent
- 24 Dec 2007 23:43
- 6 of 68
A Merry Christmas to all SThree investors and look forward to a prosperous 2008
derwent
- 25 Dec 2007 22:57
- 7 of 68
www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/12/15/ccdiary115.xml
derwent
- 25 Dec 2007 23:01
- 8 of 68
SThree finds two's company
Edited by Simon Goodley - Telegraph
Last Updated: 12:53am GMT 15/12/2007
A massive investigation is under way at listed recruitment group SThree after a shock discovery was made in their London offices on Thursday evening. "A member of staff from SThree was working late and heard something going on around the corner," an email from the building's manager begins. "After deciding to investigate, he discovered a couple having sex. To his astonishment they noticed that he had noticed, but decided to continue anyway. Once finished, the lady in high boots asked the member of staff if there was a toilet she could borrow. Classy!"
"Er, er, yes, er, it's, er, true," stutters an embarrassed spokesman. "It took place on the reception sofa. We are conducting an investigation. The people were independent of SThree and we don't know how they got into the building."
Well, it is Christmas.
avsec
- 18 Jan 2008 11:35
- 9 of 68
I have noticed that Sthr have been buying back large numbers of shares over the last three days. These have been statutory declarations.
Does this indicate that the company is taking advantage of the low share price to recoup shares from the initial flotation? I'd be interested to get an informed view.
AvSec
avsec
- 14 Feb 2008 11:18
- 10 of 68
Its been blue every day since the first of the month and even more company 'buy backs'
avsec
- 14 Feb 2008 11:25
- 11 of 68
(Image removed as it is no longer relevant)
Perhaps i should have added - bar three days!
avsec
- 25 Feb 2008 14:11
- 12 of 68
and still going - up 18% in a month!
derwent
- 29 Feb 2008 11:02
- 13 of 68
From the Inependent 5 Feb 2008:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sharewatch/the-investment-column-wolfson-powers-on-but-it-may-be-heavily-exposed-to-downturn-778093.html
SThree
Our view: Buy
Share price : 200.75p (+1.5p)
Shares in the recruitment firm SThree have fallen 60 per cent since July. The whole sector has been badly mugged. The worry was that recruitment work would dry up as employers stopped hiring because of the credit crunch.
The market got it wrong. SThree continued to prosper. It also sees no sign of a slowdown this year. Profits for 2007 rose by a quarter to 50m. Fee income grew to 522m, while the dividend payout was up 29 per cent not the action of a company in distress.
There was an easing of demand for jobs in the credit and risk market, which should come as no surprise, but this represented a small part of the total business.
The bulk of jobs are filled in the information and communications technology area, where pay is around 45,000-50,000. So SThree, which trades under 12 different brand names, such as Computer Futures and Huxley, is comfortably placed in the middle of the market.
The number of people placed in permanent jobs rose 30 per cent, with fees up nearly 10 per cent. Temporary work, which tends to be more resilient when the economy is sliding into recession and firms are reluctant to hire full-time employees, went up by 20 per cent, with a similar rise in commission.
Overseas work now accounts for a third of the total. Offices were opened in Amsterdam, Brussels and Rotterdam, and a toehold established in Hong Kong. There are now 52 branches in 10 countries.
The company has begun filling other jobs in accountancy, banking, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. All indications during the first two months of the current year such as the number of people attending interviews supports its view that this year will be strong.
The shares sell on just over six times forecast earnings for 2008. Buy.
avsec
- 20 Aug 2008 12:26
- 14 of 68
Is it the time to buy?
Someone thinks so - SThree has bought back over 440,000 shares in the past three days! This is a continuing trend over the past couple of months.
avsec
- 15 Sep 2008 16:29
- 15 of 68
They contiue to buck the trend
:
and today hit 228 before profit taking.
Sharecast gave them a mention last Friday
London close: Footsie ends week on a high
Date: Friday 12 Sep 2008
Market Movers
techMARK 1,412.47 +0.46%
FTSE 100 5,416.70 +1.85%
FTSE 250 8,976.70 +1.15%
LONDON (ShareCast) - Footsie finished the week on a high after a jittery days trading which nearly saw the index dip into the red after a poor start on Wall Street.
Bid talk in the supermarket sector helped fuel the late surge. Sainsburys jumped into the blue as traders raised the prospect of a 510p to 525p a share bid. The supermarket had spent much of the day toiling after Citigroup lowered its target price on peer Wm Morrison to 320p from 375p, despite the company reporting an 18.5% rise in first half underlying pre-tax profits. Wm Morrison and Tesco also recovered
snip snip
Recruitment group SThree's international business continues to offset tougher conditions in the UK and the business overall continues to meet its expectations.
hlyeo98
- 16 Oct 2008 19:14
- 16 of 68
STHR is clearly a SELL now as unemployment is gaining momentum especially in the City.
Sell down to 50p.
avsec
- 28 Nov 2008 16:36
- 17 of 68
Not sure that SELL is the case.
They are buying back shares for cancellation and with businesses not wanting the overheads of employed staff the demand for temporary contract specialist will undoubtedly rise.
Today up 2.5% to 127
hlyeo98
- 05 Dec 2008 08:28
- 18 of 68
SThree warns volumes declining
avsec
- 11 Dec 2008 13:15
- 19 of 68
Trading Update
SThree, the international specialist staffing business, is today issuing a trading update for the year ending 30 November 2008.
Another year of significant growth
Results in line with consensus market expectations
Year end net cash in excess of 24m (2007: 3.5m)
31.1m of shares bought back during the year (13.6% of issued share capital(1))
Greater geographical diversification, with Non UK share of gross profit ("GP") up to circa 45% (2007: 32%)
Improved debtor management - days sales outstanding reduced to 43 days (2007: 59 days)
The year to 30 November 2008 has been another year of significant growth. The Board anticipates gross profit for the Group being circa 220m for the year (2007: 182.7m), an annual increase of approximately 20%. This performance is expected to deliver a Profit Before Tax result in line with consensus market expectations.
During the year, SThree bought back 16.6m shares for 31.1m (average price of 187p per share), representing 13.6% of its issued share capital. This buyback was comfortably funded by operating cashflow, leaving year end cash balances in excess of 24m (2007: 3.5m). The Group also has a 20m committed debt facility through to 25th February 2010, and currently is not drawing down against this.
The Board is pleased to report continued improvement in debtor management in the year with a reduction in days sales outstanding to 43 days, compared to the closing position at 2 December 2007 (59 days), and a further improvement on the position at 1 June 2008 (51 days).
SThree made 10,236 permanent placements that started in the year, an increase of 7.0% (2007: 9,568). Average permanent placement fees for the year have also shown further increases to record levels.
SThree closed the year with 5,745 contractors, up 1.5% on last year (2007: 5,662) and broadly unchanged from the total at the end of the first half (1 June 2008: 5,743). As with permanent fees, average gross profit per day rates also showed further improvements to record levels.
The business of the Group has continued to become more diversified. For the full year, the Board estimates that non-UK GP now represents circa 45% of Group GP (2007: 32%).This compares to 41% at 1 June 2008, with an accelerating trend towards non-UK GP in the final quarter. The Board estimates that contract GP now represents circa 52% of Group GP (2007: 49%) and non ICT GP represents 23% of Group GP (2007: 18%). The Board believes that this mix in the Group's business positions it well for more challenging markets.
In line with the exceptional economic conditions seen during the final quarter of 2008, group trading was inevitably impacted, with a further year on year decline in UK volumes, and a modest slowing in the strong non-UK growth. UK volumes for permanent placements in the final quarter were down circa 25% year on year and UK contract runners were down circa 7% year on year. This was offset by non-UK volumes for permanent placements in the final quarter increasing by circa 29% year on year and non-UK contract runners ahead by circa 22% year on year. Fees have remained robust across permanent and contract in the final quarter, showing similar positive year on year growth in line with our third quarter performance.
SThree continues to demonstrate its flexible business model, adapting to the most challenging markets rapidly, with UK ICT permanent sales headcount down 19% year on year, ahead of the reduction in UK ICT permanent placements which fell 17% year on year. In more robust markets, the Group continued to grow sales headcount, resulting in overall sales headcount growth of 10% year on year.
Following an exceptional level of investment in 2007, capital expenditure in 2008 returned to more normalised levels of approximately 7m (2007: 14.1m). We estimate capital expenditure of circa 6m for 2009.
During 2008 SThree opened offices(2) in Sydney, Dubai, Paris and Amsterdam, bringing the total to 54 offices in 10 countries. At the start of 2009, we will open a new office in Singapore. During the forthcoming year, we anticipate further office openings in Europe (Germany and France), subject to market conditions.
Russell Clements, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"It is pleasing to be able to report that, despite very difficult conditions in some of our markets, the group will once again demonstrate significant year on year growth. Our well established programme of rolling out into newer sectors and geographies sees the group more diversified and more international than at any other time in its history.
"We end 2008 with a very strong cash position, having funded a substantial share buyback and a growing contractor book during the year. Past experience shows that we remain highly cash generative throughout the economic cycle and this gives us confidence in our ability to continue to return a strong yield even in more difficult trading conditions.
"The forthcoming year is likely to be the toughest we have faced for some time. However, our twenty two year history of profitability, flexible business model, seasoned management team and robust balance sheet all position us well to meet the challenges that lie ahead."
SThree is hosting an analyst conference call today at 0830 GMT. The dial in number is + 44 (0)20 3003 2666 and the password is SThree.
SThree will be announcing its preliminary results for the year ended 30 November 2008 on Monday 2 February 2009.
(1) % of share capital as at 30 November 2008
(2) New offices: Progressive - Sydney, Pathway - Dubai, Huxley - Paris, Madison Black - Amsterdam
Looks quite positive to me!
avsec
- 11 Dec 2008 13:16
- 20 of 68
Dated 5th December 2008
Trading Update
SThree, the international specialist staffing business, is today issuing a trading update for the year ending 30 November 2008.
Another year of significant growth
Results in line with consensus market expectations
Year end net cash in excess of 24m (2007: 3.5m)
31.1m of shares bought back during the year (13.6% of issued share capital(1))
Greater geographical diversification, with Non UK share of gross profit ("GP") up to circa 45% (2007: 32%)
Improved debtor management - days sales outstanding reduced to 43 days (2007: 59 days)
The year to 30 November 2008 has been another year of significant growth. The Board anticipates gross profit for the Group being circa 220m for the year (2007: 182.7m), an annual increase of approximately 20%. This performance is expected to deliver a Profit Before Tax result in line with consensus market expectations.
During the year, SThree bought back 16.6m shares for 31.1m (average price of 187p per share), representing 13.6% of its issued share capital. This buyback was comfortably funded by operating cashflow, leaving year end cash balances in excess of 24m (2007: 3.5m). The Group also has a 20m committed debt facility through to 25th February 2010, and currently is not drawing down against this.
The Board is pleased to report continued improvement in debtor management in the year with a reduction in days sales outstanding to 43 days, compared to the closing position at 2 December 2007 (59 days), and a further improvement on the position at 1 June 2008 (51 days).
SThree made 10,236 permanent placements that started in the year, an increase of 7.0% (2007: 9,568). Average permanent placement fees for the year have also shown further increases to record levels.
SThree closed the year with 5,745 contractors, up 1.5% on last year (2007: 5,662) and broadly unchanged from the total at the end of the first half (1 June 2008: 5,743). As with permanent fees, average gross profit per day rates also showed further improvements to record levels.
The business of the Group has continued to become more diversified. For the full year, the Board estimates that non-UK GP now represents circa 45% of Group GP (2007: 32%).This compares to 41% at 1 June 2008, with an accelerating trend towards non-UK GP in the final quarter. The Board estimates that contract GP now represents circa 52% of Group GP (2007: 49%) and non ICT GP represents 23% of Group GP (2007: 18%). The Board believes that this mix in the Group's business positions it well for more challenging markets.
In line with the exceptional economic conditions seen during the final quarter of 2008, group trading was inevitably impacted, with a further year on year decline in UK volumes, and a modest slowing in the strong non-UK growth. UK volumes for permanent placements in the final quarter were down circa 25% year on year and UK contract runners were down circa 7% year on year. This was offset by non-UK volumes for permanent placements in the final quarter increasing by circa 29% year on year and non-UK contract runners ahead by circa 22% year on year. Fees have remained robust across permanent and contract in the final quarter, showing similar positive year on year growth in line with our third quarter performance.
SThree continues to demonstrate its flexible business model, adapting to the most challenging markets rapidly, with UK ICT permanent sales headcount down 19% year on year, ahead of the reduction in UK ICT permanent placements which fell 17% year on year. In more robust markets, the Group continued to grow sales headcount, resulting in overall sales headcount growth of 10% year on year.
Following an exceptional level of investment in 2007, capital expenditure in 2008 returned to more normalised levels of approximately 7m (2007: 14.1m). We estimate capital expenditure of circa 6m for 2009.
During 2008 SThree opened offices(2) in Sydney, Dubai, Paris and Amsterdam, bringing the total to 54 offices in 10 countries. At the start of 2009, we will open a new office in Singapore. During the forthcoming year, we anticipate further office openings in Europe (Germany and France), subject to market conditions.
Russell Clements, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"It is pleasing to be able to report that, despite very difficult conditions in some of our markets, the group will once again demonstrate significant year on year growth. Our well established programme of rolling out into newer sectors and geographies sees the group more diversified and more international than at any other time in its history.
"We end 2008 with a very strong cash position, having funded a substantial share buyback and a growing contractor book during the year. Past experience shows that we remain highly cash generative throughout the economic cycle and this gives us confidence in our ability to continue to return a strong yield even in more difficult trading conditions.
"The forthcoming year is likely to be the toughest we have faced for some time. However, our twenty two year history of profitability, flexible business model, seasoned management team and robust balance sheet all position us well to meet the challenges that lie ahead."
SThree is hosting an analyst conference call today at 0830 GMT. The dial in number is + 44 (0)20 3003 2666 and the password is SThree.
SThree will be announcing its preliminary results for the year ended 30 November 2008 on Monday 2 February 2009.
(1) % of share capital as at 30 November 2008
(2) New offices: Progressive - Sydney, Pathway - Dubai, Huxley - Paris, Madison Black - Amsterdam
Looks quite positive to me!
avsec
- 11 Dec 2008 13:19
- 21 of 68
.
avsec
- 04 Feb 2009 11:15
- 22 of 68
Worth looking at now?
Excellent results posted this week!
XSTEFFX
- 04 Feb 2009 20:38
- 23 of 68
WELL DONE
avsec
- 05 Feb 2009 14:59
- 24 of 68
Still swimming against the general flow today with a modest rise.
The diversification to other parts of the globe has certainly helped them to exceed expectations.
Whilst I doubt a quick recovery to the heady heights of 500+, I will stick my money where my mouth is and say they will continue to outperform the UKX by a considerable margin for the next 12 months.
justyi
- 03 Jul 2009 11:05
- 25 of 68
SThree suffers decline in demand
Business Financial Newswire
Specialist staffing business SThree said as expected, it experienced an overall decline in demand for its services during the first-half, particularly for permanent placements, with contract hiring proving somewhat more resilient in all territories.
For the six month period ended 31st May 2009, group gross profit declined by around 9% year on year to 93m (2008: 102.5m). On a constant currency basis, gross profit declined by around 15% and non-UK gross profit grew about 4% year on year.
At 31st May 2009 SThree had 4,494 contract runners, a decrease of 21.8% on the year end number of 5,745 runners. Average contractor gross profit per day rates were up overall with continued strength in non-UK rates offset in part by a slight softening in rates in the UK ICT business. During the period, SThree made a total of 3,302 permanent placements, a reduction of 34.1% over the previous year (2008: 5,008). However, average permanent placement fees have continued to improve across all geographies versus last year.
At 31st May 2009 UK contract runners were down 28.2% versus the prior year. However the UK gross profit per day contract rate was down only slightly versus the previous year. During the period, UK permanent placements were down 54.2%, reflecting a 60.8% reduction in UK ICT placements and a 37.8% reduction in UK non-ICT placements. Average UK placement fees were up slightly versus last year.
The non-UK business slowed further in the period. Contract runners reduced versus last year by 7.4%, but this was offset by growth in gross profit per day rates. During the period, permanent placements declined by 7.5%, but again this was offset by strong growth in average fees.
The cash position improved further during the period with net cash of about 45m at 31st May 2009. The Group has no debt.
Total headcount over the period was reduced by circa 25%, with UK sales headcount being down by circa 33% and non UK sales headcount down by circa 17%. The group believes that headcount is now at an appropriate level in light of the current market conditions and opportunities.
This action resulted in exceptional costs of circa 8m, comprising staff restructuring costs and the costs of an office network rationalisation. We expect pay back on these measures within the current financial year ending 29th November 2009.
CEO, Russell Clements, commented: 'The first half of 2009 has seen exceptionally challenging market conditions. By contrast, during the same period in 2008, all of our markets were still growing, making the year on year comparatives particularly tough.
'In response to the difficult trading environment we took decisive and proactive action during the second quarter to realign our headcount with prevailing market conditions and ensure that the business stayed fit for purpose in the short term. However we are equally committed to ensuring that we do not compromise the Group's capacity for a strong bounce back as markets recover.
'In this respect our exceptionally strong cash position gives us the capacity to make prudent investments for the future, whilst at the same time continuing to support our dividend.'
SThree will be announcing its interim results for the six months ended 31st May 2009 on 20th July 2009.
skinny
- 11 Sep 2009 10:11
- 27 of 68
Interim statement seems to have gone down well.
skinny
- 04 Dec 2009 08:04
- 28 of 68
Trading Update
SThree plc ("SThree" or the "Group"), the international specialist staffing
business, is today issuing a trading update for the year ended 29 November 2009.
* A solid performance despite highly challenging market conditions
* Full year results expected to be in line with consensus market expectations
* Gross profit of circa GBP168m, down 23% year on year (2008: GBP218.9m)
* Greater geographical diversification, with non-UK share of gross profit now at
55% (2008: 45%)
* Year end net cash of circa GBP48m (2008: GBP24.6m)
* Days sales outstanding improved to 37 days (2008: 43 days)
* Most markets stable or modestly improving
skinny
- 17 Dec 2009 16:19
- 29 of 68
Up 3% on a down day - I can't find anything obvious news wise, but hey ho!
skinny
- 30 Dec 2009 16:30
- 30 of 68
Another 4% today!
skinny
- 07 Jan 2010 09:52
- 31 of 68
Looks like I'm alone here - been adding over the last couple of weeks - Preliminary results out on 1st Feb.
XSTEFFX
- 07 Jan 2010 13:33
- 32 of 68
Happy new year skinny.doing well
skinny
- 01 Feb 2010 07:34
- 33 of 68
skinny
- 08 Mar 2010 07:18
- 34 of 68
skinny
- 08 Mar 2010 11:47
- 35 of 68
I've just taken some of these off the table @325 - rude not to!
avsec
- 12 May 2010 14:14
- 37 of 68
Keeping the belief and playing long. Benefits from internal re-organisation are showing through
skinny
- 28 May 2010 14:41
- 38 of 68
Nice big candle today - trading statement on the 4th I believe.
skinny
- 04 Jun 2010 07:09
- 39 of 68
Trading Update.
Key highlights:
Group Gross Profit up 8%* Q2 2010 vs Q1 2010, consistent with markets showing continuing signs of improvement
Headcount growth of 7.9% year on year, driven by market opportunity
Fees remain robust
Roll out of four additional international offices
Non-UK now circa 60% of Group gross profit
Non-ICT now circa 34% of Group gross profit
Group gross profit achieved in the period declined by circa 19%* year on year to circa 74m (2009: 93.3m). UK gross profit declined by circa 29% and non-UK gross profit declined by circa 11%*. Non-UK now represents 60% of gross profit (2009: 54%), non-ICT represents 34% of gross profit (2009: 25%).
hlyeo98
- 01 Jul 2010 16:57
- 40 of 68
Unemployment is rising under Osborne budget, so STHR is a strong sell.
skinny
- 10 Sep 2010 07:41
- 41 of 68
Interim Management Statement.
Highlights:
All markets now improving and in growth, with the exception of Benelux which is nonetheless on an improving trend
Permanent Gross Profit up 36%* year on year and up 18%* on Q2 2010
Contract Gross Profit up 1%* year on year and up 8%* on Q2 2010
Group Gross Profit up 15%* year on year and up 13%* on Q2 2010
Sales headcount growth of 25% year on year, driven by improving market
opportunity and additional international office openings
Permanent deal pipeline up circa 50% year on year
Cash position remains strong with circa 37m net cash at period end
skinny
- 03 Dec 2010 08:11
- 42 of 68
Trading Statement.
Highlights:
All markets now improving and in growth
Full year results expected to be slightly ahead of market consensus
Group Gross Profit of circa 167m, down 2% year on year (2009: 171.1m)
Permanent Gross Profit up 15%* year on year for the full year and up 53%* year on year in Q4
Contract Gross Profit down 12%* year on year for the full year, but up 4%* year on year in Q4
Greater geographical diversification, with non-UK share of gross profit now at 60% (2009: 55%) and 6 new overseas offices opened during the year
Year end net cash of circa 53m (2009: 48.5m)
skinny
- 09 Mar 2012 07:03
- 43 of 68
Interim Management Statement.
Highlights:
· Group gross profit up 15%* year on year (up 12%* in Q4 2011)
· Permanent gross profit up 16%* year on year (up 14%* in Q4 2011)
· Contract gross profit up 13%* year on year (up 9%* in Q4 2011)
· Permanent deal pipeline volume up 11% year on year (up 1% at year end 2011)
· Seasonal recovery in contract runners tracking broadly in line with 2011
· Strong financial position with net cash of circa £30m at period end after payment of interim and special dividend of c£20m in early December 2011
skinny
- 07 Sep 2012 07:06
- 45 of 68
Interim Management Statement
Highlights:
· Group gross profit up 6%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 10%* year on year
· Permanent gross profit up 2%* year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume level year on year
· Growth rate in contract runners ahead of same period in 2011
· Continued strong financial position with net cash of circa £17m at period end, after payment of the final dividend of 9.3p per share (circa £11m) on 6 June 2012
skinny
- 30 Nov 2012 07:51
- 46 of 68
Trading Update
Highlights:
· Full year profit before tax expected to be £25m, in line with market consensus
· Group gross profit up 8%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 11%* year on year
· Permanent gross profit up 6%* year on year
· Ongoing sector diversification driving growth - Energy & Engineering +48%* year on year, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology +39%* year on year
· Continued strong financial position; net cash of circa £27m at period end, after buying back circa £7m of shares for treasury
· Handover of CEO responsibilities running ahead of schedule - Gary Elden to succeed Russell Clements as CEO with effect from 1 January 2013
skinny
- 28 Jan 2013 09:16
- 47 of 68
skinny
- 08 Mar 2013 07:04
- 48 of 68
Interim Management Statement
Highlights:
· Group gross profit down 3%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 6%* year on year
· Strong seasonal recovery in contractor runners - up 13% year on year at the end of Q1 and only down 2% on 2012 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit down 12%* year on year with average permanent consultant headcount down 14% year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume down 13% year on year
· Good progress made against key strategic priorities - contract, international expansion and ongoing sector diversification
· Continued strong performance from newer sector disciplines - Energy & Engineering +16%* year on year, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology +21%* year on year
· 68% of Group gross profit now generated in markets outside UK&I (2012: 65%)
· Continued strong financial position with net cash of circa £20m
skinny
- 07 Jun 2013 07:09
- 49 of 68
Half Year Trading Update
Highlights:
· Group gross profit down 6%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 3%* year on year
· Strong seasonal recovery in contractor runners - up 9% year on year and up 1% on 2012 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit down 15%* year on year with average permanent consultant headcount down 16% year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume down 15% year on year
· Further progress made against key strategic priorities - contract, international expansion and ongoing sector diversification
· Resilient performance from newer sector disciplines
· The Board intends to declare a maintained interim dividend per share of 4.7p (H1 2012: 4.7p)
· Continued strong financial position with net cash of circa £16m
skinny
- 06 Sep 2013 07:03
- 50 of 68
Interim Management Statement
Highlights:
· Group gross profit down 2%* year on year but up 5%* sequentially versus Q2
· Contract gross profit up 7%* year on year and up 6%* sequentially versus Q2
· Good growth in contractor runners - up 8% year on year and up 5% on 2012 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit down 11%* year on year, broadly in line with average permanent consultant headcount down 9% but up 3% sequentially versus Q2
· Permanent deal pipeline volume down 13% year on year
· Strong performance from newer sector disciplines - Energy up 20%* year on year, Pharma & Biotech up 19%* year on year
· Continued strong growth in the Americas (up 30% year on year and up 23% sequentially versus Q2), now represent circa 12% of Group gross profit
skinny
- 17 Dec 2013 10:42
- 51 of 68
I haven't held these for sometime, but just had a dabble.
Recent Broker notes
skinny
- 30 Dec 2013 08:13
- 52 of 68
Closed +15.
skinny
- 03 Feb 2014 07:06
- 53 of 68
Final Results for the year ended 1 December 2013
Operational Highlights
· Group performance improved as the year progressed against a backdrop of weaker macroeconomic conditions;
· Further progress made against key strategic priorities - Contract, ongoing sector diversification and international expansion;
· Contract GP grew by 4%** year on year, with Contract now accounting for 56%** of Group GP (2012: 51%);
· Non-UK&I share of GP increased to 69% (2012: 67%) as the Group's business mix underwent a further shift in favour of our international operations;
· Continued sector diversification with non-ICT disciplines now representing 57% (2012: 54%)
· Strong performance from newer sectors. Energy (+9.3%**) and Life Sciences (+18.3%**) now representing 27% of GP (2012: 22%)
· New offices opened in Calgary, Tokyo and Berlin, bringing the Group total to 55 in 21 countries, of which 40 are outside the UK;
· Disposal of ITJB, a small non-core business, in July 2013 for an initial cash consideration of £9.2m, a further £0.5m receivable in 2014 and a further £2.5m contingent on the performance of ITJB in FY 2014;
· Restructuring of the Group's cost base brought savings of circa £3.2m in H2 2013 and reduces annualised costs by circa £8.5m pa;
· Group headcount at year end increased by 10% to 2,327 (2012: 2,116) although average headcount at 2,228 was flatyear on year (2012: 2,234);
· The Group retains a strong balance sheet position, with year end net cash of £8.7m (2012: £28.3m), after the dividend payment of £16.9m and capital expenditure of £5.6m.
skinny
- 14 Mar 2014 07:07
- 54 of 68
Q1 Interim Management Statement
Highlights
· Group gross profit up 9%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 18%* year on year
· Strong seasonal recovery in contractor runners - up 16% year on year at the end of Q1 and 1% above 2013 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit down 4%* year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume up 7% year on year
· Group sales headcount up 6% versus the year end position and up 18% year on year
· Strong performance in the Americas (up 49%* year on year), now representing 13% of Group gross profit
· Continued strong performance from newer sector disciplines - Energy +54%* year on year, Life Sciences +42%* year on year
· 70% of Group gross profit now generated in markets outside UK & Ireland (2013: 68%)
skinny
- 01 Apr 2014 07:30
- 55 of 68
RBC Capital Markets Outperform 401.00 400.00 400.00 440.00 Reiterates
skinny
- 11 Jun 2014 08:46
- 57 of 68
Credit Suisse Outperform 390.25 396.75 - 450.00 Reiterates
parrisf
- 11 Jun 2014 09:30
- 58 of 68
Trending down by the chart so not interested.
skinny
- 13 Jun 2014 07:04
- 59 of 68
Half Year Trading Update
Highlights
· Group gross profit up 13%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 22%* year on year
· Strong seasonal recovery in contractor runners - up 26% year on year at the end of H1 and 12% above 2013 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit up 2%* year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume up 5% year on year
· Group sales headcount up 12% versus the year end position and up 20% year on year
· Excellent performance in the Americas (up 62%* year on year), which now represents 14% of Group gross profit
· Continued strong performance from newer global sectors - Energy up 52%* year on year, Life Sciences up 43%* year on year
· Encouraging performance from Banking & Finance up 20%* year on year
· 70% of Group gross profit now generated in markets outside UK & Ireland (2013: 69%)
skinny
- 17 Jun 2014 07:12
- 60 of 68
2014 Capital Markets Day
2014 Capital Markets Day
SThree plc ("SThree" or the "Group"), the international specialist staffing business, is hosting a series of presentations for analysts and investors this afternoon in London.
The event will be hosted by Gary Elden, CEO and Alex Smith, CFO, together with other members of the senior management team. The presentations will focus on Group strategy and profile a number of its newer businesses including Oil & Gas, Life Sciences and its operations in the USA.
No material new information or update on trading will be provided.
The presentation materials will be available on the Group's website www.sthree.com later today.
- Ends -
skinny
- 14 Jul 2014 07:49
- 61 of 68
Interim Results for the half year ended 1 June 2014
Operational Highlights
· Improved overall performance with Group gross profit ("GP") up 10% year on year ("YoY") or 13% on a constant currency basis;
· Operating profit up 24% to £8.4m (H1 2013: £6.8m) reflecting growth in GP and sales headcount;
· Contract GP up 22%* YoY, with Contract now accounting for 60% of Group GP (H1 2013: 55%);
· Strong seasonal recovery in contractor runners - up 26% YoY at the end of H1 and 12% above 2013 year end peak;
· Permanent GP up 2%* YoY and Permanent deal pipeline volume up 5% YoY;
· Period end Group sales headcount up 12% versus the year end position and up 20% YoY;
· 70% of Group GP now generated in markets outside the UK & Ireland (H1 2013: 69%);
· Excellent performance in the Americas (up 62%* YoY), which now represents 14%* of Group GP (H1 2013: 10%);
· Continued sector diversification with non-ICT disciplines now representing 60% (H1 2013: 55%);
· Encouraging performance from Banking & Finance up 20%* YoY
· Strong performances from our less mature global sectors - Energy up 52%* YoY, Life Sciences up 43%* YoY
* at constant currency
skinny
- 11 Sep 2014 14:08
- 62 of 68
Trading update tomorrow.
skinny
- 12 Sep 2014 07:43
- 63 of 68
Interim Management Statement
Highlights
· Group gross profit up 18%* year on year
· Contract gross profit up 28%* year on year
· Continued strong growth in contractor runners - up 29% year on year and 20% above 2013 year end peak
· Permanent gross profit up 6%* year on year
· Permanent deal pipeline volume up 15% year on year
· Group sales headcount up 9% versus the year end position and up 15% year on year
· Excellent performance in the Americas (up 75%* year on year), now representing 17% of Group gross profit
· Continued strong performance from newer sector disciplines - Energy up 43%* year on year, Life Sciences up 43%* year on year
· Review and rationalisation of a number of sub-scale operations, with resources redeployed and reprioritised to USA, where the Group is doubling its office space in New York, Boston, Houston and San Francisco. Exceptional charge of circa £3m to £4m to be taken in 2014
skinny
- 12 Sep 2014 09:24
- 64 of 68
Liberum Capital Buy 343.63 340.00 475.00 475.00 Reiterates
skinny
- 26 Jan 2015 07:07
- 65 of 68
Final Results
Operational Highlights
· Improved overall performance with Group gross profit ("GP") up 18%* year on year ("YoY") as greater strategic focus on Contract continues to produce results;
· Operating profit (before exceptional items) increased 42% to £29.8m (2013: £21.0m), despite FX headwinds of £1.8m;
· Group conversion ratio up 2.8 percentage points to 13.7% (2013: 10.9%)
· Significant progress made against our key strategic priorities - Contract, ongoing sector diversification and international growth;
· Contract GP grew by 27%* YoY, and now accounts for 61% of Group GP (2013: 56%);
· Strong growth in number of Contract runners, up 31% YoY at 7,573 at year end (2013: 5,791), establishing a strong platform for 2015;
· Permanent GP up 6%* YoY with growth accelerating to 16%* in Q4;
· Non-UK&I share of GP increased to 70% (2013: 69%);
· Continued sector diversification with non-ICT disciplines now representing 61% (2013: 57%) of GP;
· Strong performances from our newer sector disciplines with Energy up 51%* and Life Sciences up 42%* YoY; together now representing 32% of GP (2013: 27%);
· Excellent performance in the Americas (up 73%* YoY), now representing 15% of Group GP (2013: 11%), driven by the USA;
· Group total headcount at year end increased by 11% to 2,578 (2013: 2,327) and Group average headcount was up 12% YoY at 2,487 (2013: 2,228);
· Group year end sales headcount up 12% YoY at 2,081 (2013:1,862) and average sales headcount up 15% YoY at 2,002 (2013: 1,736);
· Review and rationalisation of a number of sub-scale operations, with resources redeployed and reprioritised to the USA, where the Group is doubling its office space in New York, Boston, Houston and San Francisco;
· Net debt of £9.9m at the year end.
skinny
- 24 Apr 2015 14:37
- 66 of 68
Ex-dividend 30th April 9.3p.
Energeticbacker
- 03 Aug 2015 11:33
- 67 of 68
SThree plc is featured in a new series of ‘Investment Insights’ from Graham Neary on Investor’s Champion.
Investor’s Champion supports companies and investors alike with objective, forthright commentaries on quoted companies.
Read the latest investment insight at http://tinyurl.com/phy3z7f
skinny
- 11 Sep 2015 07:29
- 68 of 68
Q3 Trading Update
Highlights
· Group gross profit ("GP") up 13%* year on year ("YoY") and ahead by 20%* excluding Energy
‐ Continued strong growth across ICT (+21%* YoY) and Life Sciences (+21%* YoY)
‐ Energy remained weak in Q3 as expected (-25%* YoY), but grew sequentially in Q3 vs Q2
‐ Another strong performance in the Americas (+31%* YoY), which now represents 22% of Group GP (Q3 2014: 17%)
· Contract GP up 20%* YoY
‐ Continued strong growth in Contract runners - up 15% YoY and 6% above the 2014 year end peak
· Permanent GP up 1%* YoY; with Permanent GP excluding Energy up 12%* YoY
· Group sales headcount up 4% versus the year end position and up 7% YoY, driven by increased Contract and reduced Permanent heads
· Good progress on productivity per consultant, up 9%* YoY
· Results for the year ended 30 November 2015; including the impact of circa £3m of restructuring costs, expected to be ahead of the current market consensus1