03/08/2023 - Adecco Group AG: 2023 Half Year results Press Release

AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

Group press release, Zurich, Switzerland, August 3, 2023

Q2 2023 RESULTS

Strong revenue growth, further market share gain, good cost management

• Revenues +4% yoy organic TDA1; excellent performance in Adecco, +5%, with growth across all regions, in Akkodis consulting, +12%, and in LHH Career Transition, +101%
• Further market share gain; Adecco's relative revenue growth +800 bps in Q2 23
• Healthy 20.7% gross margin, 50 bps lower organically, mainly reflecting current business mix
• SG&A excl. one-offs lower, at 17.7% of revenues, from 17.9% in Q2 22 and 18.4% in Q1 23, supported by a reduction in G&A costs and productivity improvement
• Group productivity +3% yoy; Adecco productivity +3% qoq with FTEs -2% qoq
• Robust 3.1% EBITA margin excl. one-offs; underlying sequential improvement of 30 basis points when excluding the timing impact of FESCO JV income
• On track to deliver G&A savings; year-end expected run-rate €60 million
• Operating income €117 million, flat year-on-year
• Basic EPS €0.37; Adjusted EPS €0.67

Denis Machuel, Adecco Group CEO, commented:

"The Group delivered another quarter of revenue acceleration and market share gain. The Adecco business achieved growth across all regions at a level that continued to outpace its competitors, and with underlying margin improvement. Adecco US saw sequential improvement and further signs of turnaround progression. In LHH, both the Career Transition and Ezra businesses delivered record quarters and profitability strengthened for the GBU overall. Akkodis delivered strong growth in consulting with excellent progress in the US; while the staffing side of the business was hindered by hiring contraction in the tech sector. Integration work and synergy capture is advancing smoothly. Across the Group we continue to drive productivity and cost discipline, with G&A down in the quarter and delivery against the committed savings plan firmly on track. Looking ahead, whilst recognising a challenging macro-economic environment, we see positive momentum, driven by the strength of our unique portfolio and our relentless focus on performance."

KEY FIGURES
EUR millions, unless otherwise stated
Q2 23	Q2 22	CHANGE	H1 23	H1 22	CHANGE
			Reported	Organic			Reported	Organic
Revenues	5,998	5,938	+1%	+4%1	11,890	11,384	+4%	+3%1
Gross profit	1,240	1,254	-1%	+1%	2,494	2,405	+4%	+3%
EBITA excl. one-offs2	184	205	-11%	-8%	368	390	-6%	-3%
Operating income	117	124	-6%	0%3	261	270	-3%	+2%3
Net income / (loss)4	62	77	-19%		154	169	-9%
Basic EPS	0.37	0.46	-20%		0.92	1.02	-10%
Adjusted EPS2	0.67	0.85	-21%		1.39	1.61	-14%
Gross profit margin		21.1%	-40 bps	-50 bps		21.1%	-10 bps	-10 bps
20.7%	21.0%
SG&A excl. one-offs2 as % of revenues	17.7%	17.9%	-20 bps		18.1%	17.8%	+30 bps
EBITA margin excl. one-offs	3.1%	3.5%	-40 bps		3.1%	3.4%	-30 bps
Cash flow from operating activities	+80	-81	+161		-36	-26	-10
Cash conversion ratio2					66%	58%
Net debt/EBITDA excl. one-offs2					3.2x	2.8x

Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this release refer to same period in prior year. 1 On an organic and trading days adjusted basis. 2 For further details on the use of non-GAAP measures in this release, please refer to the 2022 Annual Report. 3 In constant currency terms. 4 Attributable to Adecco Group shareholders.

Q2 2023 Results

2

Q2 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

1. EVENUES

Second quarter revenues of EUR 5,998 million were up 4 percent on an organic, TDA basis (3 percent organic, 1 percent reported). Currency translation had a net negative impact of approximately 200 basis points and working days a net negative impact of approximately 100 basis points.

At the Global Business Unit level, organically and TDA, Adecco revenues were up 5 percent (2 percent reported), Akkodis revenues were 1 percent lower (3 percent lower reported), and LHH revenues were flat (3 percent lower reported).

By service line, growth was led by Career Transition, for whom revenues were up 102 percent organically (100 percent reported), while Outsourcing, Consulting & Other Services grew 8 percent (5 percent reported). Flexible Placement revenues rose 1 percent (1 percent lower reported), Permanent Placement revenues were 9 percent lower (11 percent lower reported), and Training, Up-skilling & Re-skilling services revenues were 1 percent lower (2 percent lower reported).

Q2 REVENUES (% CHANGE YEAR-ON-YEAR)
Group, by growth	Group, by Global Business	Group, by Service Line
driver		Unit
			Reported	Organic,		Reported	Organic
				TDA
Organic, TDA	+4	Adecco	+2	+5	Flexible Placement	-1	+1
TDA	-1.0	Akkodis	-3	-1	Permanent Placement	-11	-9
Currency	-2.0	LHH	-3	0	Career Transition	+100	+102
M&A	0				Outsourcing, Consulting	+5	+8
			& Other Services
					Training, Up-skilling &	-2	-1
					Re-skilling
Group	+1	Group	+1	+4	Group	+1	+3

GROSS PROFIT

In the second quarter period, gross profit reached EUR 1,240 million, up 1 percent organically (1 percent lower reported). Gross margin was 20.7 percent, 50 basis points lower organically (40 basis points lower reported). The Group's gross margin development was weighed by current business mix, both in terms of GBUs and mix within the Adecco GBU.

By service line, on an organic basis, gross margin expanded 110 basis points in Career Transition. However, gross margin was lower by 90 basis points in Flexible Placement, 40 basis points in Permanent Placement, 20 basis points in Outsourcing, Consulting & Other Services, and 10 basis points in Training, Up-skilling & Re-skilling. Currency effects had a 5 basis points positive impact and portfolio scope a 5 basis points positive impact.

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (SG&A)

SG&A excluding one-offs was EUR 1,062 million, 2 percent higher organically (0 percent reported) and EUR 24 million lower than Q1 23's EUR 1,086 million result. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A excluding one-offs was at 17.7 percent, an improvement from the prior year period's 17.9 percent and Q1 23's 18.4 percent, supported by a reduction in G&A costs and productivity improvement.

Q2 2023 Results

3

Full-time Employees ("FTEs") reduced 2 percent compared to the prior year period to 38,243. On a sequential basis, FTEs reduced by 1 percent. Group productivity, in terms of gross profit per FTE, rose 3 percent year-on-year.

EBITA

EBITA excluding one-offs was EUR 184 million, compared to EUR 205 million in the prior year period.

The EBITA margin excluding one-offs was 3.1 percent. The 40 basis points differential year-on-year reflects lower gross margin and the timing of FESCO JV income, partly mitigated by good cost management and productivity improvement. In underlying terms, margin progressed 30 basis points sequentially. Income from the FESCO JV was EUR 5 million this quarter, from EUR 11 million in the prior year period.

One-off costs were EUR 39 million, compared to EUR 41 million in the prior year period, mainly reflecting restructuring charges from actions taken to secure targeted G&A savings.

AMORTISATION OF INTANGIBLES

Amortisation of intangible assets was EUR 28 million in the quarter, from EUR 40 million in the prior year period.

OPERATING INCOME

The Group generated an operating income of EUR 117 million, flat percent in constant currency terms, due to the aforementioned items.

NET INCOME AND EPS

Net income attributable to Adecco Group shareholders was EUR 62 million, compared to 77 million in the prior year period. The result reflects interest expense of EUR 20 million, and other income/(expenses), net of EUR 9 million. Income taxes amounted to EUR 25 million, with an effective tax rate of 28.4 percent including discrete events.

Basic EPS was EUR 0.37, compared to the prior year period's EUR 0.46. Adjusted EPS, which is the Group's net income excluding a total EUR 50 million for amortisation of intangibles, one-off costs, and associated tax effects, divided by basic weighted-average shares outstanding, was EUR 0.67, compared to the prior year period's EUR 0.85.

CASH FLOW AND NET DEBT

Cash flow from operating activities was EUR +80 million in the quarter, compared to negative EUR -81 million in the prior year period. Cash flow was positively impacted by the timing of working capital, with receivables and payables both more favourable. DSO was 53 days, stable versus the previous year period. The rolling last four quarters cash conversion ratio was 66 percent, up sequentially and a robust result during a period of growth and transformation.

Net debt was EUR 3,078 million at end Q2 2023. The Net Debt to EBITDA ratio, excluding one-offs was 3.2x, in line with management expectations and reflecting a seasonal peak due to the dividend distribution. The Group reiterates its firm commitment to decrease leverage going forward.

As a reminder, the Adecco Group issued EUR 1,500 million of senior and subordinated debt in H2 2021 at attractive terms to finance AKKA's acquisition. In addition, the Group has a robust financial structure, with fixed interest rates on 75 percent of its outstanding gross debts, no financial covenants on any of its outstanding debts, a well-balanced bond maturity profile and strong liquidity including an undrawn EUR 750 million revolving credit facility. In addition, the company has no bonds maturing until end 2024.

Q2 2023 Results

4

GLOBAL BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS

Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this section refer to the same period in the prior year, with revenues stated on an organic and trading days adjusted (TDA) basis, and EBITA or EBITA margins stated excluding one-offs.

ADECCO

EUR millions, unless otherwise stated			Revenues		EBITA margin excl. one-offs
		Q2 23	Q2 22	CHANGE (% yoy)	Q2 23	CHANGE
				Reported	Organic, TDA		(bps, yoy)
Adecco	4,608	4,504	+2	+5	3.5%	(10)
France	1,271	1,253	+1	+1	4.6%	(20)
Northern Europe	591	604	-2	+3	1.4%	(60)
DACH	405	377	+8	+8	-0.8%	(100)
Southern Europe & EEMENA	1,112	1,031	+8	+9	5.8%	+40
Americas	677	709	-5	+1	1.1%	+70
APAC	552	530	+4	+10	4.5%	(150)

2022 results restated due to the transfer of part of AKKA's US operations to Adecco Americas (Adecco US), effective Jan 1, 2023

Adecco delivered strong relative revenue growth of +800 basis points in Q2, taking further market share.

Adecco's revenues were up 5 percent in the second quarter, with growth driven by resilient flexible placement volumes. On a year-on-year basis, revenues advanced across all regions, with double-digit growth achieved in APAC, LatAm, Germany, Iberia and EEMENA.

Flexible Placement revenues were 4 percent higher. On a sector basis, autos and healthcare were notably strong. Manufacturing was robust, while logistics stabilised in the quarter. Revenues were solid in higher-value solutions: Permanent Placement was up 8 percent and Outsourcing was up 6 percent.

Gross margin was healthy, albeit weighed by current business and solutions mix. Pricing was good, underpinned by continued talent scarcity across markets.

The 3.5 percent EBITA margin includes the impact of the timing of FESCO JV income. Excluding this impact, the EBITA margin was improved year-on-year compared to Q2 2022's 3.6 percent margin, supported by agile cost management. Productivity rose 3 percent sequentially and 4 percent year-on-year, while FTEs reduced 2 percent sequentially and 3 percent year-on-year.

SEGMENT RESULTS

ADECCO FRANCE

• Revenues rose 1 percent, supported by the autos and healthcare sectors, while logistics, construction and retail were soft. Growth was strong in permanent placement, and robust in flexible placement.
• The EBITA margin reflects positive gross margin development, countered by unfavourable movements in true- up and other special items. Reflecting a tougher market backdrop, headcount was reduced in the quarter.

ADECCO NORTHERN EUROPE

• Revenues from UK & Ireland were up 7 percent, with growth led by autos and public sector activity. Revenues were 1 percent lower in the Nordics, with new construction regulations constraining activity. In the Benelux, revenues were down 1 percent. Overall, the region's growth outpaced the market.
• The EBITA margin was impacted by adverse business and solutions mix, partly mitigated by good cost management and restructuring initiatives in the Nordics, including headcount reductions.

Q2 2023 Results

5

ADECCO DACH

• Revenues in Germany were up 11 percent, outperforming the market. In Switzerland & Austria revenues were 1 percent higher, with Switzerland impacted by a tough market backdrop. Growth was generated mainly by autos, logistics and professional services.
• The EBITA margin, which is typically at its lowest in Q2, mainly reflects the impact of fewer working days in the current period relative to the prior year period.

ADECCO SOUTHERN EUROPE & EEMENA

• Revenue growth was strong, with Iberia up 11 percent, EEMENA up 19 percent, and Italy up 6 percent. Permanent placement and outsourcing activities were very strong and flexible placement improved sequentially. In sector terms, autos, retail, and logistics developed favourably, while manufacturing was robust. Overall, the region's growth clearly outpaced the market.
• The strong EBITA margin mainly reflects altered business mix and improved productivity.

ADECCO AMERICAS

• Latin America revenues grew by an excellent 22 percent.
• In North America, revenues were 7 percent lower, impacted by a tougher macro-economic environment. o In Adecco US, revenue developments outperformed the market, and improved by 2 percent on a
  sequential basis.
  o In operational terms, Adecco US is seeing positive momentum from its recently implemented regional focus, branch improvement and sales training programmes.
• While impacted by lower volumes, the EBITA margin improved 70 basis points year-on-year, reflecting agile cost management, including headcount and other G&A cost savings initiatives.

ADECCO APAC

• Revenues were 12 percent higher in Japan, up 10 percent in Asia, and up 20 percent in India. Revenues in Australia & New Zealand were flat, weighed by the end of a large government contract. Both flexible placement and permanent placement activities were very strong. End-market growth was broad-based, with IT Tech, retail, manufacturing, and consulting all performing well.
• The EBITA margin includes impact from the FESCO JV, driven by unfavourable timing of government payments, which moved into Q1 this year. The margin further reflects changes in social charges in Japan. Management is taking action to offset the additional costs incurred in future quarters.

AKKODIS

EUR millions,			Revenues		EBITA margin excl. one-offs
unless otherwise stated
Q2 23	Q2 22	CHANGE (yoy)	Q2 23	CHANGE
			Reported	Organic, TDA		(bps, yoy)
Akkodis	925	957	-3%	-1%	5.2%	(130)
North EMEA				+7%
South EMEA				-3%
North America				-8%
Akkodis APAC				+3%

Akkodis 2022 results restated due to the transfer of part of AKKA's US operations to Adecco effective Jan 1, 2023

Akkodis' revenues were 1 percent lower (3 percent lower reported). Reflecting a sharp downturn in tech sector activity, staffing revenues were 25 percent lower. Consulting & solutions revenues were strong, growing 12 percent.