Profit expectations maintained
We are encouraged by several aspects of the pre-close trading update covering H1, not least the outcome and movement in net cash. A renewed focus on the cost base should result in improving conversion rates, offsetting any further shortfall in fee income during H2. We also remain confident that a recovery in Gattaca’s markets should emerge during Q4 ‘24/early FY25 supporting a further re-rating of its shares.The yoy shortfall in NFI of 16% during H1 includes a large RPO contract which ended in September. The H2 ‘23/H1 ’24 comparison is as a result more favourable, with the larger contract included for just two months of the former period, with fee income down 8.6%. Overall, contract NFI was more stable, declining 6% yoy, compared to 38% in perm.
H2 ’24 onwards will witness a greater focus on productivity, resulting in outgoing sales heads in the business not being replaced and further room for cost cutting within perm focused employees. Over the medium term, we expect administration headcount as a proportion of total heads to move towards best industry practice of c.25%, down from the current 32%.
Should we be proved correct on expecting a recovery in the Group’s markets then the current valuation appears too low. Based on a DCF model we retain our fair value / share at 175p.
Gattaca is an engineering and technology recruitment solutions company. Co. operates in the STEM markets (science, technology, engineering and maths), all sectors with skills shortages. Co. has three reporting segments, Engineering, Technology and International. Co.'s brands are Matchtech, an engineering recruitment specialist; Networkers, a technology recruitment specialist; Cappo, Provanis, Barclay Meade, a professional services brand, recruiting finance, procurement, sales and HR professionals., and Alderwood, which is involved in placing trainers and assessors with training providers throughout the U.K. and the Middle East.
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