13th Jan 2022 11:38
(Alliance News) - Recruiter Hays PLC on Thursday hailed a record second quarter as it noted operating profit for the current financial year is now expected to be ahead of consensus market forecasts.
The FTSE 250-constituent said it expected operating profit for the year ending June 30 to be around GBP200 million, ahead of consensus market guidance. In financial 2021, Hays operating profit before exceptional items of GBP95.1 million, down from GBP135.0 million the year before.
Sixteen countries delivered record quarterly fees in the recent quarter, the company said, as did Hays Technology.
Hays said it had seen excellent fee growth in all regions, up 37% on a like-for-like basis overall. Strong margin and volume growth through the quarter was generated. November delivered an all-time period fee record, it said.
"It is too early to quantify how the Omicron variant will impact our New Year 'return to work' trends, which as usual will be a key driver of second-half performance," commented Chief Executive Alistair Cox.
"However, client and candidate confidence remain high, with clear signs of skill shortages and wage inflation. Encouragingly, despite significant headcount investment in the past year, consultant productivity is excellent, and we expect to drive productivity further."
The FTSE 250 stock was trading up 1.0% at 153.40 pence each in London on Thursday morning.
By Will Paige; [email protected]
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