ManpowerGroup(MAN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, revenue was $4.1 billion, down 5% year-over-year in constant currency [12] - Reported EBITDA for the quarter was$ 36 million, while adjusted EBITDA was $52 million, representing a decrease of 32% in constant currency year-over-year [12][19] - Adjusted earnings per share decreased 51% year-over-year in constant currency, with reported EPS at$ 0.12 and adjusted EPS at $0.44 [13][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - On an organic constant currency basis, the Manpower brand declined 2%, the Experience brand declined 5%, and the Talent Solutions brand declined 2% [22] - The RPO business within Talent Solutions experienced a slight revenue decrease, while the MSP business recorded a strong double-digit revenue increase [22] - Gross profit margin was 17.1%, with staffing margin contributing to a 10 basis point reduction due to mixed shifts and lower bench utilization [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the Americas segment was$ 1.1 billion, representing a 5% increase year-over-year in constant currency [28] - Southern Europe revenue was $1.8 billion, reflecting a 5% decrease in constant currency [33] - Northern Europe segment revenue decreased 14% in constant currency, with the UK market experiencing a 16% decline [37][39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying, digitizing, and innovating, with plans to showcase technology advancements at VivaTech in Paris [51] - Emphasis on building tailored solutions with a focus on candidate experience and data privacy [52] - The company aims to manage costs effectively while driving profitable revenue growth through organizational alignment [54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased uncertainty due to recent trade policy announcements, leading clients to adopt a wait-and-see approach [9][10] - Despite challenges, there is optimism for growth in specific markets like LATAM and APME, with a focus on skills development as AI adoption accelerates [16] - The forecast for Q2 2025 anticipates continued challenges in Europe and North America, with EPS expected to be in the range of$ 0.65 to $0.75 [46][47] Other Important Information - Free cash flow represented an outflow of$ 167 million compared to an inflow of $104 million in the prior year, influenced by timing of payables [43] - The company ended the quarter with cash of$ 395 million and total debt of $1.07 billion, resulting in a net debt of$ 677 million [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of pending tariffs on future performance - Management indicated that a resolution of U.S. tariffs could lead to a quick turnaround in employer confidence and demand [60][65] Question: Signs of layoffs and hiring freezes - Management noted that while there is caution among employers, they are not significantly letting go of workforces, focusing instead on specialized skills [69][71] Question: Client mindset regarding tariff policy - Clients are adopting a wait-and-see approach, anticipating a negotiated settlement rather than a permanent change [82][86] Question: Restructuring actions in Northern Europe - Management discussed restructuring charges and expected payback periods, indicating a focus on improving profitability in challenging markets [91][95] Question: Impact of immigration policy on business - Management stated that current immigration policies have not significantly impacted business performance [135]