- 5% growth at constant scope and exchange rates
- Acceleration of growth in Q4
- Continuation of the TARGET 21 strategic plan
| In m€consolidated figures (unaudited) | 2018 | 2017* | Variation | 2017 Published |
| T1 | 27,5 | 28,6 | -3,9% | 29,3 |
| T2 | 27,0 | 27,0 | 0,1% | 28,8 |
| T3 | 25,0 | 24,1 | 3,8% | 25,1 |
| T4 | 29,9 | 28,0 | 6,7% | 30,7 |
| 109,4 | 107,7 | 1,6% | 114,0 |
(*) Figures restated for IFRS 15 which came into effect on January 1, 2018.
Micropole, an international consulting and innovative technology group specializing in Digital Experience, Data Intelligence & Performance and Data Governance & Architecture, announces that it generated revenues of €109.4 million for the full year 2018, compared to €107.7 million for the same period in 2017*. On a like-for-like basis, the increase for the year was 5%. In Q4 2018, revenues amounted to €29.9 million, compared with €28.0 million recorded in 2017*, representing growth of 6.7%.
Clear acceleration of growth in Q4
As expected, the Group's growth rate accelerated inQ4, with a sustained increase in activity, despite the continuing strong pressure on resources. Micropole recorded entirely organic and homogeneous growth between France and the Europe zone (which includes activity in Europe excluding Micropole Learning Soutions, formerly Micropole Institut). This performance is in line with the objectives of the TARGET 21 strategic plan announced in September 2018, and the result of the continuous work carried out on the various operational levers in all of the Group's areas of operation.
The Europe region thus recorded Q4 growth of 10.6% on a like-for-like basis. In France, growth was also significant at constant scope (+10.4%). The reorganizations carried out in H1 in the Île-de-France region began to bear fruit over the period, while the Regions continued their very positive momentum.
Good annual dynamics
The year was marked by a 6.4% increase in activity in Europe at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates.
- In France, like-for-like growth was 4.1%, with the regions confirming their strong growth (+17%), while growth in the Paris region was gradual and continuous throughout the period.
- In Switzerland, activity (+9.4%) was driven by the market leadership of the digital agency WIDE and the development of Data offers.
- Belux, which has very strong development potential across all its activities and regions, recorded a sharp 18% increase, driven by early positioning on AWS Cloud platforms.
The Micropole Learning Solution activity was stable over the period. China, whose contribution to revenues is still not very significant on the Group scale, suffered a sharp decline over the period.
With regard to headcount, and in a recruitment market under pressure, the Group integrated 344 new billable employees in 2018. Taking into account the changes in the scope of consolidation carried out in the France, Belgium and China businesses between mid-2017 and mid-2018 (disposal of businesses, divestments and reorganizations), the total number of employees amounted to 1,130 at the end of 2018.
Perspectives
In line with its strategy, the Group is preparing for 2019 the launch of several new offerings around Data.
In order to support its development in a tense employment market, Micropole is continuing to intensify its Employer Brand policy, focused on the recruitment and retention of talent. In particular, the Group is looking for Business Consultants and Data Experts for all its sites to carry out its numerous innovative projects and missions.
As anticipated, the efforts made over the period will have a positive effect on all operational indicators, confirming the Group's strategy and positioning. Micropole therefore reiterates its objectives communicated in the TARGET 21 plan, namely a positioning focused on innovation and added value for its clients, with revenues of €160 million and a current operating income of over 8% by 2021.
FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2019
- Wednesday, April 10, 2019: 2018 annual results
- Thursday, April 11, 2019: SFAF meeting (2018 annual results)
- Tuesday, May 14, 2019:1st quarter sales
- Thursday, July 25, 2019:2nd quarter sales
- Wednesday, September 25, 2019:1st half results
- Thursday, September 26, 2019: SFAF meeting (H1 2019 results)
- Thursday, November 14, 2019:Q3 sales
