Revenue: EUR5.6 billion, 2% lower year on year on an organic trading days adjusted basis, 3% higher sequentially. Gross Margin: 19.4%, 40 basis points lower year on year. EBITA: EUR132 million, margin of 2.4%, 40 basis points lower year on year. Adjusted EPS: $0.48, 20% lower year on year. Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Minus EUR144 million. Cash Conversion Ratio: 105%. Net Debt: EUR2.7 billion. Net Debt to EBITDA Ratio: 3.2 times. Adecco Revenues: EUR4.4 billion, 1% lower year on year, 3% higher sequentially. Adecco EBITA Margin: 3.1%, up 10 basis points year on year. Adecco Americas Revenues: 4% higher, with North America 2% lower and Latin America 14% higher. Adecco APAC Revenues: Up 11%. Akkodis Revenues: 8% lower year on year. LHH Revenues: 5% lower year on year.

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with AHEXF.

Release Date: May 08, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Adecco Group AG (AHEXF) gained further market share with solid margin performance, outperforming key competitors by 130 basis points. The company saw a return to growth in the Adecco US segment, with revenues improving sequentially. Adecco Group AG (AHEXF) is adopting AI solutions to accelerate growth, including pre-screening agents in the UK and new AI capabilities in Germany. The company's cash conversion ratio was strong at 105%, indicating efficient cash management. Adecco Group AG (AHEXF) has a robust financial structure with strong liquidity resources, including an undrawn EUR750 million revolving credit facility.

Negative Points

Revenues were EUR5.6 billion, 2% lower year on year on an organic trading days adjusted basis. Adjusted EPS was $0.48, 20% lower year on year, mainly due to lower business income. Cash flow from operating activities was negative at minus EUR144 million. The EBITA margin, excluding one-offs, was 2.4%, 40 basis points lower year on year. Akkodis Germany faced significant pressure, with revenues 15% lower due to weaker demand in the automotive sector.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more color on the trends by different GBUs and whether Adecco has reached a break-even on growth potential in Q2? A: Coram Williams, CFO: The chart shows modest positive momentum through Q1, continuing into Q2. This is broad-based across major territories, with North America returning to growth. We are close to break-even on volumes, indicating positive momentum. Other business volumes vary, with career transition showing good momentum, while permanent placements face pressure.

Story Continues

Q: How is the defense sector impacting Adecco, and what is the outlook? A: Denis Machuel, CEO: Defense represents about 5% of group revenue, mainly in Akkodis. We expect momentum, especially in Germany, once stimulus packages are underway. We've renewed framework agreements in France and secured a significant contract in Japan. Our expertise in autos is transferable to defense, promising future growth.

Q: How do you plan to recover Akkodis Germany and what are the competitive dynamics? A: Denis Machuel, CEO: Akkodis Germany faces challenges due to high exposure to the auto sector. We are executing a turnaround plan involving business disposals, restructuring, real estate optimization, and offshoring. We aim for profitable exit rates by year-end, leveraging our strong client relationships and diversifying into promising sectors like defense.

Q: Can you elaborate on the restructuring in Germany and the expected one-off costs? A: Coram Williams, CFO: The exit rate in Germany was consistent through Q1, with challenges persisting. We've increased our one-off cost expectations to EUR50 million for the year, reflecting German restructuring costs. We maintain discipline in managing one-offs, ensuring accountability for decisions impacting the P&L.

Q: How is the restructuring in France progressing and what cost savings are expected? A: Denis Machuel, CEO: The restructuring in France is mostly complete, with ongoing adjustments to market dynamics. We are improving performance relative to the market and expect to surpass market growth as the year progresses. A new leader in France is focusing on efficiency, digitization, and securing large contracts.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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