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SThree

H1 2019 results – Expectations unchanged

The H1 results were well flagged post the Q2 trading update but they served to give a reassuring update on the current trading outlook as well as providing the new CEO, Mark Dorman, with a further opportunity to outline his take on the STEM opportunity and how SThree is likely to evolve to best capture that opportunity. Here we see a growing focus on strategic decision making and capital allocation discipline. The November capital markets day will provide an opportunity for this to be laid out in detail. SThree continues to perform well, delivering the best net fees growth in the peer group coupled with good margin expansion as the benefits of the Glasgow relocation flow through. Given macro concerns that are now weighing on the Perm heavy peer group; all eyes were on the outlook and here the tone was cautious but reassuring. Full year expectations remain unchanged with current trading solid. Clearly, management are sensitive to the macro headwinds that have been in place for some time now, although these have yet to materialise in the trading performance. The 29% PE discount to the peer group remains anomalous in our eyes.

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  • 09 Aug 19
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SThree

H1 2019 results – Expectations unchanged

The H1 results were well flagged post the Q2 trading update but they served to give a reassuring update on the current trading outlook as well as providing the new CEO, Mark Dorman, with a further opportunity to outline his take on the STEM opportunity and how SThree is likely to evolve to best capture that opportunity. Here we see a growing focus on strategic decision making and capital allocation discipline. The November capital markets day will provide an opportunity for this to be laid out in detail. SThree continues to perform well, delivering the best net fees growth in the peer group coupled with good margin expansion as the benefits of the Glasgow relocation flow through. Given macro concerns that are now weighing on the Perm heavy peer group; all eyes were on the outlook and here the tone was cautious but reassuring. Full year expectations remain unchanged with current trading solid. Clearly, management are sensitive to the macro headwinds that have been in place for some time now, although these have yet to materialise in the trading performance. The 29% PE discount to the peer group remains anomalous in our eyes.

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  • 30 Jul 19
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SThree

Encouraging H1 19 trading update

The H1 pre-close update saw positive Q1 trading momentum carry through into Q2. This performance has been delivered despite uncertain macro data. Encouragingly, SThree remarked ‘expectations for the full year remain unchanged’. Group H1 net fees + 9% YoY, is a creditable outcome, reflecting a consistent performance across Q1 / Q2. We are leaving our headline FY PBT/EPS forecasts unchanged, although we have made some minor changes to our regional mix. We would also highlight the improving balance sheet position, with net debt down to £8m (£12m at Q2). The update was also the first opportunity for investors to hear from new CEO, Mark Dorman, who joined SThree in March. Major shifts in strategy are unlikely in our view, as SThree’s unique combination of STEM and Contract focus continue to hold it in good stead. Although SThree is some way off its 52 week highs, it is now also some way off its lows, suggesting the more extreme cyclical concerns have now been priced in. Dividend growth remains a positive catalyst. SThree continues to trade at a material discount to the Staffing peer group (FY19E PE of 9.1x, 5.1% yield) despite keeping pace with its more cyclical peers.

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  • 24 Jun 19
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Next Fifteen Communications Group

Final results in-line; organic growth and margin expansion

Next Fifteen (“NFC”) has delivered another set of robust final results; in-line with our, and market, expectations. Consistent with prior years; revenue growth (14% headline and 6% organic) and margin expansion have been driven out of the UK. NFC has a good track record of taking advantage of strength in one part of the portfolio to address challenges elsewhere. It is now the turn of the North American roof to be fixed while the UK sun is shining; with the Text / Bite merger the main news item in North America. NFC has also taken the opportunity to disclose its performance by business line as well as geography. This added clarity should help investors better understand the key digital growth drivers. NFC continues to trade on undemanding multiples compared to the peer group and the outlook commentary speaks of confidence for FY2020.

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  • 02 Apr 19
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SThree

Business model resilience against an uncertain outlook

The final results did not contain any surprises but did provide more colour around the trading outlook. The strong exit momentum was confirmed; especially in key overseas markets, which helps to underpin H1 visibility. However, despite positive momentum heading into 2019, SThree is having to contest with poor macro data coming out of the Eurozone, and Germany in particular. Past experience suggests SThree’s unique combination of STEM and Contract focus should hold it in relative good stead. SThree has been subject to a Bull/Bear tug of war since the start of Q4 2018. Although SThree is still some way off its recent highs, it is now also some way off its lows, suggesting the more extreme cyclical concerns have now been priced in. The return of SThree to dividend growth is also a positive catalyst. SThree continues to trade at a material discount to the Staffing peer group (FY19E PE of 9.4x, 5% yield) despite strong operational performance and late cycle attractions.

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  • 15 Feb 19
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Next Fifteen Communications Group

Trading update and Acquisition of Planning-inc

In what has felt a febrile market, the recent pre-close trading update was reassuringly brief and solid. Life continues largely as normal for Next Fifteen. Acquisitions made over the last few years are delivering strong growth; providing management with a good opportunity to actively manage the North American portfolio; where the Text100 and Bite agencies are being merged. The acquisition of Planning-inc continues the wellestablished pattern of NFC paying attractive initial multiples for fast growing and profitable digital marketing assets, often with highly specific and niche applications. NFC’s track record here speaks volumes to the focus and rigour of management’s approach. The NFC forward PE has come down a notch or two (alongside the peer group) and currently stands at 13.8x on a Calendar 2019 basis. We believe this reflects a moderation of market risk appetite rather than a specific judgement on NFC.

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  • 11 Feb 19
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