Financial Highlights
| 2011 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | £542.5m | £474.5m | +14.3% |
| Gross Profit | £195.5m | £166.4m | +17.5% |
| Operating profit | £30.0m | £21.2m | +41.2% |
| Profit before taxation | £30.3m | £21.6m | +40.0% |
| Basic earnings per share | 16.8p | 11.9p | +41.2% |
| Diluted earnings per share | 16.4p | 11.5p | +42.6% |
| Proposed ordinary final dividend | 9.3p | 8.0p | +16.3% |
| Total ordinary dividend | 14.0p | 12.0p | +16.7% |
| Total dividend (ordinary and special) | 25.0p | 12.0p | +118% |
- A strong performance given the changing market sentiment during the year.
- Non-UK&I share of gross profit increased significantly to 63% (2010: 59%), with the trend expected to continue as the Group becomes ever more international.
- New offices opened in Doha, Antwerp, São Paulo, Zurich, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Chicago, Boston and Moscow, bringing the Group total to 60 offices in 17 countries.
- Permanent placements increased by 13.5% to 7,434 (2010: 6,551), with average fees growing strongly.
- Number of active contractors at year end increased by 7.6% to 4,692 (2010: 4,359), with average gross profit per day rates remaining strong.
- Contract versus Permanent mix of gross profit 48%:52% in favour of Contract (2010: 51%:49%).
- Continued sector diversification, with non-ICT(1) disciplines now representing 40% of total gross profit (2010: 38%).
- 8% of gross profit now derived from outside of the UK ICT market (2010: 76%).
- Total Group headcount at year end increased by 22.0% to 2,272 (2010: 1,863).
(1)Year-end net cash and term investments of £55.6m (2010: £55.2m) reflecting continued strong cash generation.
CEO'sView
In 2011, we substantially improved profitability whilst continuing to invest in the business. In 2012, our seasoned management team will drive the best results, whatever the market conditions.
Our Brands andSectors
SThree is the parent company for our organically grown recruitment brands, specialising in ICT, Engineering & Energy, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Banking and Accountancy & Finance.