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Randstad N.V. Earnings Release 2007

Feb 14, 2008

3880_iss_2008-02-14_b2a3eacf-4b99-4652-a0d4-d0c5e8081423.pdf

Earnings Release

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Randstad Holding nv Diemermere 25, Diemen

P.O. Box 12600, NL-1100 AP Amsterdam z.o.

····················································································································································· Press release Fourth quarter and annual results 2007

Date February 14, 2008 For more information Bart Gianotten/Machteld Merens Telephone +31 (0)20 569 56 23

2007 a record year: revenue up 12% to € 9.2 billion and EBITA up 27%

Highlights full year 2007

  • − 12% organic revenue growth1 ) with increased market share
  • − 27% growth in EBITA2 ; EBITA margin up to 6.0% from 5.3%
  • − Diluted EPS3 up by 7% to € 3.38 compared to € 3.17 in 2006
  • − Dividend proposal of € 1.25 per share, in line with our updated dividend policy

Highlights fourth quarter 2007

  • − Group organic revenue growth 9%
  • − 14% growth in EBITA, with an EBITA margin of 6.8%, leading to diluted EPS of € 1.04
  • − Healthy organic growth across Europe (+10% in Q4 2007 compared to +12% in Q3 2007), Asia continuously strong, underlying revenue growth in North America improved to +1%
  • − Conditional agreement reached with Vedior N.V. to join forces

Outlook first quarter 2008

− We started the year with continued growth. Organic revenue growth amounted to 8% in January 2008. Q1 2007 was an exceptionally strong quarter and Q1 2008 will have on average a little over 1 working day less than Q1 2007. We expect EBITA to amount to at least € 100 million compared to the reported € 99.4 million in Q1 2007.

"In terms of both revenue and operating profit, it has been the best year and the best fourth quarter in the history of our company", says Ben Noteboom, CEO Randstad Holding. "Our people have done a great job, outperforming almost all markets once more. These markets have shown a mixed picture, so we are focusing on carefully targeted cost reductions in order to improve productivity but also keep stimulating growth wherever opportunities arise. As an example, clients are increasingly using our search and selection services, which leads to very encouraging growth. The more specialized market segments are doing well in many regions, a trend that fits well with our intended combination with Vedior. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities this will bring us, and we face the future with confidence."

In € million Q4 2007 Q4 2006 Change FY 2007 FY 2006 change
Revenue 2,433.1 2,226.6 9% 9,197.0 8,186.1 12%
EBITA 164.9 144.1 14% 554.4 436.1 27%
Net income 118.5 134.5 -12% 384.9 360.3 7%
Net income before tax one-off 118.5 111.8 6% 398.9 337.6 18%
Diluted EPS (in €) 1.04 1.18 -12% 3.38 3.17 7%
Diluted EPS (in €) before tax one-off 1.04 0.99 5% 3.50 2.98 17%

1) Organic growth is measured excluding the impact of currency effects, acquisitions and disposals and transfers between segments

2) EBITA: operating profit before amortization acquisition-related intangible assets and impairment goodwill

3) Definition: diluted EPS before amortization acquisition-related intangible assets and impairment goodwill

Summary of Group financial performance

Revenue

Revenue totaled € 2,433.1 million in Q4 2007, up by 9% compared to Q4 2006. Organic growth amounted to 9%, net acquisitions added 2% to the growth while currencies had a negative impact of 2%. Q4 2007 had on average 1 working day more than Q4 2006. Organic growth per working day was 7%.

For the full year growth was double digit. In 2007, revenue increased by 12% to € 9,197 million, while organic growth was 12% as well. We gained market share across our segments and in most markets. The highest growth rates were generated in the segments inhouse services and interim professionals, search & selection while our fastest growing main markets were Italy, France, Germany and Belgium.

We note that in 2007, the worldwide staffing market has shown healthy growth on average. Growth was not equally spread through the year, however. The beginning of the year showed strong growth, but growth rates became erratic at the end of Q2 2007, followed by gradual easing of the growth rates in Q3 2007 and Q4 2007. We observe two trends.

The US was the first market to show a slowdown, which we flagged at the end of 2006. Economic growth rates eased and projections were revised down in the first half of the year, which was followed by psychological and real effects of the credit crisis. This also had an effect on business and consumer confidence in Europe. Inhouse services, catering to large industrial and logistics clients, generated accelerated organic growth in Q4 2007, showing that the concept is well positioned to help our clients plan their workforce in all circumstances.

The second trend is that scarcity of candidates has become more prominent in certain areas. The employment rates have continued to grow across the globe as economic growth, although below expectations, was healthy overall, while demographic trends start to play a role as well. Our more recent initiatives in search & selection, well placed to address our clients' recruitment needs in areas with skill shortages, gained momentum through the year.

In € million Q4 Q4 growth organic FY FY growth organic
2007 2006 growth 2007 2006 growth
Revenue 2,433.1 2,226.6 9% 9% 9,197.0 8,186.1 12% 12%
Gross profit 545.9 483.5 13% 12% 2,029.7 1,730.6 17% 17%
Operating expenses 381.0 339.4 12% 12% 1,475.3 1,294.5 14% 13%
EBITA 164.9 144.1 14% 14% 554.4 436.1 27% 28%
Amortization acquisition-related
intangibles and impairment goodwill 4.5 4.5 0% 14.8 12.5 18%
Operating profit 160.4 139.6 15% 539.6 423.6 27%
Net income 118.5 134.5 -12% 384.9 360.3 7%
Diluted EPS (in €) 1.04 1.18 -12% 3.38 3.17 7%
Diluted EPS (in €) ex tax one-offs 1.04 0.99 5% 3.50 2.98 17%
Gross margin 22.4% 21.7% 22.1% 21.1%
Operating expenses as % 15.7% 15.2% 16.0% 15.8%
revenue
EBITA margin 6.8% 6.5% 6.0% 5.3%

Gross profit

Gross margins are improving. In Q4 2007 the gross profit increased 13% to € 545.9 million, while the gross margin improved to 22.4% compared 21.7% in Q4 2006. Gross profit included positive one-offs of € 6 million in total (compared to € 2 million positive in Q4 2006), including an additional benefit of € 3.6 million in France, related to a conservative estimate of payroll tax benefits earlier in the year, and the remainder mostly stemming from social security related items in the Netherlands.

For the full year, gross margin improved by a full percentage point to 22.1% from 21.1%. Margin growth was stimulated by improved management focus, as well as by an effective pricing policy made possible by the increasing scarcity of candidates in the market, and also by mix effects, such as fee income constituting a larger part of the total business mix. Fee income now amounts to 10% of total gross profit (8% in 2006) for the Group as a whole. Gross profit per average corporate FTE, which is one of our key performance indicators, increased by 3% in 2007.

Operating expenses

We continued to invest in targeted areas. In Q4 2007, the average number of corporate employees was 14% higher (+12% organic) than in Q4 2006, while the number of outlets was 8% (+6% organic) higher. The larger part of this expansion was implemented in the first half of the year. We employed on average 17,570 FTEs and operated from 2,886 outlets at the end of the quarter.

Operating expenses excluding amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and impairment goodwill grew by 12% (12% organic), amounting to 15.7% of revenue in Q4 2007 compared to 15.2% in Q4 2006. For full year 2007 operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 16.0%, compared to 15.8% in 2006. The increase of the cost ratio, which occurred especially in the second half of 2007, is linked to the rapid growth in fee income in Europe and low productivity in our mass-customized operations in North America. We monitor the cost base closely and will make adjustments where necessary. The average number of FTEs employed in North America during Q4 2007 was for instance 8% lower than during Q2 2007. We also reduced the number of outlets in mass-customized in the UK by 15% in Q4 2007. Next to realizing growth opportunities, cost and productivity monitoring will also be priorities in 2008. In line with our unit steering model, in January 2008, the number of corporate FTEs in our largest four geographies was on average 4% lower than in October 2007.

EBITA

In the fourth quarter of 2007 EBITA increased by 14% to € 164.9 million compared to € 144.1 million in Q4 2006. On an organic basis EBITA increased by 14% as well. The EBITA margin improved to 6.8% from 6.5%.

For the full year EBITA grew by 27% to a level of € 554.4 million, compared to € 436.1 million in 2006, while the EBITA margin improved to 6.0% from 5.3%, at the top of the 5-6% EBITA margin target range for 2007 we set in 2002.

Net income

In Q4 2007, net income amounted to 118.5 million. Excluding the € 22.7 million one-off tax gain of Q4 2006, net profit growth amounted to 6%. Net finance costs, including dividend on preferred shares, amounted to € 1.2 million in Q4 2007. Net finance costs have increased compared to earlier quarters in 2007, as we acquired 15.03% in the share capital of Vedior N.V. on the open market. The increase in financing charges was offset by a corresponding € 2 million share of profit of associates.

For the full year 2007, net income increased 7% to € 384.9 million, a record in the history of our company. Cash flow and balance sheet

Cash flow was solid in 2007. Cash flow from operations before operating working capital improved along with increased operating results, which more than offset planned higher corporate income tax payments. The moving average of DSO improved from 52 to 51 days, while the timing of payments to creditors had a less positive impact than in 2006. In total, net cash from operating activities was therefore solid but slightly below the level of 2006. Full-year capital expenditure amounted to € 74.4 million, compared to € 61.8 million in 2006. As a result, free cash flow amounted to € 328.4 million, compared to € 350.0 million in 2006.

Until December 2007, a balance of € 108.6 million was spent from our free cash flow on acquisitions. In December 2007 we spent another € 478.9 million on the acquisition of a 15.03% stake in Vedior N.V., partly financed with longterm debt, within our existing credit facility. As a result, net debt amounted to € 144.2 million as at December 31, 2007, compared to a net cash position of € 250.3 million at the end of December 2006.

Fourth quarter by segment

Mass-customized Europe and Asia: moderate growth & strong profitability

We recorded moderate growth across our European operations and strong growth in Asia. Combined organic revenue growth amounted to 6%. In Europe the highest growth was posted in Italy and France, while growth moderated in several other markets including the Netherlands. Gross margin trends continue to be positive. This trend is most clearly visible in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and the UK and is based on a combination of mix shifts, increased fee income and better pricing. EBITA increased by 15% to € 125.5 million while the EBITA margin reached a healthy 8.0% compared to 7.3% in Q4 2006.

Mass-customized and inhouse services North America: revenue recovered and gross margin stabilized

On an organic basis revenue was up 1%, a clear improvement compared to the 4% decline in the previous two quarters. Demand at large inhouse clients was flat, and productivity remained high. In mass-customized we recorded slight growth again while we completed the headcount and cost reductions announced in last summer. In total 20 branches were closed. Gross margin was flat at 17.3%. The EBITA margin for our combined North American businesses came down to 2.5% compared to 3.3% in Q4 2006. Profitability was impacted by the default of one client in the US, which had an impact on EBITA of USD 1.2 million. Our Canadian operations continued to show strong performance with solid growth and profitability.

Inhouse services Europe: growth further improved

Execution continued to be good in this segment. Revenue growth was strong. Organic revenue growth amounted to 23% in Q4 2007, a slight acceleration compared to the previous quarter, including some acceleration in The Netherlands. Total growth including transfers was 49%. Growth was well spread across our different geographies. Growth was the highest in Germany, France, Italy and Belgium. In total we now operate from 783 locations in Europe. The gross margin reached 14.7% compared to 14.4 % in Q4 2006, while the EBITA margin improved to 6.6% from 6.5% in Q4 2006.

Interim professionals, search & selection: high demand

Organic revenue growth of interim professionals, search & selection was 14% in Q4 2007. Demand remains high. We continue to see healthy growth in secondment. In the Netherlands we did well in large segments such as IT and Finance while good growth was also visible in other competences such as Legal and Marketing & Communications. Reduced demand in Aerospace continued to have an effect on our German Engineering business. Attracting and retaining candidates in sectors such as IT, Finance and Engineering has become more challenging across the board. Growth in search & selection remains strong in all markets. The EBITA margin decreased somewhat versus Q4 2006, amongst others reflecting ongoing investment, and amounted to 7.2%.

Public offer for all of the share capital of Vedior N.V.

On December 3, 2007, we announced the intention to make a public offer for all of the share capital of Vedior N.V., in a mixed cash and share offer, of € 9.50 plus 0.32759 share Randstad Holding nv per share Vedior N.V., for a total equity consideration of € 3.5 billion at the day of announcement. The combination will create the world's 2nd largest HR services provider. For additional information and an update on the deal progress please refer to the separate press release issued today.

Other developments

In November 2007, we divested Thuiszorg Perfect, active in the field of homecare in the Netherlands, as it no longer fitted our portfolio after several regulatory changes to the Dutch health care system. Annualized revenue of Thuiszorg Perfect amounted to approximately € 12 million in 2007.

In the open period from February 14, 2008 up to and including February 27, 2008, a total of 23,894 ordinary shares Randstad Holding nv (nominal value € 0.10) will be issued and granted to the executive board members in relation to the medium term bonus system. In the same open period, in order to increase their own shareholdings in Randstad Holding nv, the members of the executive board intend to acquire shares on the open market from the annual cash bonus payment.

Dividend

We propose a dividend of € 1.25 per share (38% payout), equal to the amount paid over 2006 (40% payout). This is in line with the update to the dividend policy we announced in November 2007. As from 2007 we aim for enhanced dividend protection for our shareholders, putting a floor of € 1.25 in the dividend, instead of a constant 40% payout. The new policy should not lead to a lower average dividend stream than would be achieved under the former policy. We pursue consistent dividend growth through the cycle, while we aim not to lower the absolute dividend level in any given year. We want to achieve this with a minimum payout of 30% and a maximum payout of 60%. The updated policy is more in line with the cash flow trends, which usually show a more gradual development than earnings trends. For the coming years this means that dividend per share will grow from € 1.25 once the payout reaches 30%, and that it could only fall below € 1.25 if this would imply a payout higher than 60%.

Outlook Q1 2008

We started the year 2008 with continued growth. We see continued growth across our European and Asian operations, while the trends in North America do not differ much from the Q4 2007 patterns. Organic revenue growth amounted to 8% in January 2008. Q1 2007 was an exceptionally strong quarter and Q1 2008 will have on average a little over 1 working day less than Q1 2007. Given these trends, we expect continued revenue growth and EBITA of at least € 100 million, compared to the reported € 99.4 million in Q1 2007. We refrain from providing an EPS forecast this quarter as that would implicitly provide an opinion on the Q1 2008 results of Vedior N.V.

Financial calendar

Publication Q1 2008 results (pre-market) April 23, 2008
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders May 7, 2008
Fixing ex-dividend May 9, 2008
Dividend available for payment May 28, 2008
Publication Q2 2008 results (pre-market) July 30, 2008

Conference call

Today, at 10.00 CET, Randstad Holding will host a press conference at our headquarters in Diemen. At 13.00 CET, we will host an analyst meeting and conference call. The dial in number is +31 (0)20 713 34 63 and for participants from the UK +44 (20) 7138 0835. The passcode is: 8734791. You can watch the analyst conference through real time video webcast. A replay of the presentation and the Q & A will also be available on our website as of today 18.00 CET. The link is: http://www.ir.randstad.com/presentations.cfm Because progress on the proposed offer for Vedior N.V. will be discussed in the presentation, we regret that for legal and/or regulatory reasons, the conference call and webcast are not open to US/Canadian/Australian and Japanese participants.

Additional information

The full-year figures (figures for the twelve months ended December 31, figures YTD) included in this press release are derived from but reflect only parts of the financial statements 2007. On the financial statements 2007 of Randstad Holding nv an unqualified auditor's opinion was issued, dated February 13, 2008. The financial statements 2007 have not been published yet and are not yet adopted by the Annual General Meeting of shareholders. The financial statements 2007 will be published on our company website in March 2008.

Certain statements in this document concern prognoses about the future financial condition and the results of operations of Randstad Holding as well as certain plans and objectives. Obviously, such prognoses involve risks and a degree of uncertainty since they concern future events and depend on circumstances that will apply then. Many factors may contribute to the actual results and developments differing from the prognoses made in this document. These factors include general economic conditions, a shortage on the job market, changes in the demand for (flexible) personnel, changes in employment legislation, future currency and interest fluctuations, future takeovers, acquisitions and disposals and the rate of technological developments. These prognoses therefore apply only on the date on which the document was compiled.

Randstad Holding nv specializes in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services with group companies in Europe, North America and Asia. The Randstad Group is one of the largest temporary employment organizations in the world and market leader in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland and the southeastern United States. Randstad is dedicated to matching at the right time, the demand by individuals for challenging and well-paid employment to the demand of organizations for employees of the right caliber and the right qualifications. The Group is active under the brand names Randstad, Yacht, Capac Inhouse Services, Tempo-Team, EmmayHR, Team4U, Talent Shanghai, Martin Ward Anderson and Otter-Westelaken. Randstad Holding nv (Reuters: RAND.AS, Bloomberg: RAND NA) is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, where options for stocks in Randstad Holding are also traded. For more information about Randstad Holding see http://www.randstad.com

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Consolidated income statement

(Q4 unaudited)

Three months ended
December 31
Twelve months ended
December 31
change change
In millions of € 2007 2006 2007/2006 2007 2006 2007/2006
Revenue 2,433.1 2,226.6 9% 9,197.0 8,186.1 12%
Cost of services 1,887.2 1,743.1 8% 7,167.3 6,455.5 11%
Gross profit 545.9 483.5 13% 2,029.7 1,730.6 17%
Selling expenses 270.4 241.1 1,036.3 910.6
General and administrative expenses 115.1 102.8 453.8 396.4
Total operating expenses 385.5 343.9 12% 1,490.1 1,307.0 14%
Operating profit 160.4 139.6 15% 539.6 423.6 27%
Dividend preferred shares -1.8 -1.8 -7.2 -7.2
Financial income and expenses 0.6 -0.4 5.1 -2.0
Net finance costs -1.2 -2.2 -2.1 -9.2
Share of profit of associates 2.0 0.0 2.0 0.0
Income before taxes 161.2 137.4 539.5 414.4
Taxes on income -42.7 -2.9 -154.6 -54.1
Net income 118.5 134.5 -12% 384.9 360.3 7%
Earnings per share attributable to the holders
of ordinary shares Randstad Holding nv
(expressed in € per ordinary share):
- basic earnings per ordinary share 1.02 1.16 3.31 3.11
- diluted earnings per ordinary share 1.02 1.15 3.30 3.10
- diluted earnings per ordinary share before
amortization acquisition-related intangible
assets and impairment goodwill 1.04 1.18 3.38 3.17
Margins
Gross margin 22.4% 21.7% 22.1% 21.1%
EBITDA margin 7.4% 7.1% 6.6% 5.9%
EBITA margin 6.8% 6.5% 6.0% 5.3%
Operating margin 6.6% 6.3% 5.9% 5.2%
Net income margin 4.9% 6.0% 4.2% 4.4%

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Information by segment

(unaudited)

Three months ended December 31
In millions of € 2007 2006 change
2007/2006
organic
*
growth
margins
2007
margins
2006
Revenue
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 1,571.5 1,493.0 5% 6%
Mass-customized North America 182.6 248.1 -26% 2%
Inhouse services Europe 429.5 288.9 49% 23%
Inhouse services North America 99.6 65.4 52% 0%
Interim professionals, search & selection
Eliminations
162.9
-13.0
142.9
-11.7
14% 14%
Total revenue 2,433.1 2,226.6 9% 9%
Gross profit
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 383.8 345.2 11% 12% 24.4% 23.1%
Mass-customized North America 37.0 46.6 -21% 0% 20.3% 18.8%
Inhouse services Europe 63.0 41.6 51% 22% 14.7% 14.4%
Inhouse services North America 11.8 7.5 57% 2% 11.8% 11.5%
Interim professionals, search & selection 50.4 43.6 16% 11% 30.9% 30.5%
Eliminations -0.1 -1.0
Total gross profit 545.9 483.5 13% 12% 22.4% 21.7%
EBITA **
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 125.5 108.9 15% 18% 8.0% 7.3%
Mass-customized North America 3.6 8.2 -56% -39% 2.0% 3.3%
Inhouse services Europe 28.2 18.9 49% 24% 6.6% 6.5%
Inhouse services North America 3.4 2.0 70% 4% 3.4% 3.1%
Interim professionals, search & selection 11.8 13.8 -14% -17% 7.2% 9.7%
Corporate -7.6 -7.7
Total EBITA 164.9 144.1 14% 14% 6.8% 6.5%
Twelve months ended December 31
In millions of € 2007 2006 change
2007/2006
organic
*
growth
margins
2007
margins
2006
Revenue
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 5,960.5 5,455.4 9% 12%
Mass-customized North America 726.2 1,023.2 -29% -3%
Inhouse services Europe 1,528.5 974.2 57% 24%
Inhouse services North America 406.7 247.5 64% 0%
Interim professionals, search & selection 616.0 518.0 19% 18%
Eliminations -40.9 -32.2
Total revenue 9,197.0 8,186.1 12% 12%
Gross profit
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 1,413.6 1,213.7 16% 18% 23.7% 22.2%
Mass-customized North America 147.9 198.4 -25% -6% 20.4% 19.4%
Inhouse services Europe 222.1 138.9 60% 24% 14.5% 14.3%
Inhouse services North America 49.9 28.8 73% 5% 12.3% 11.6%
Interim professionals, search & selection 197.2 152.7 29% 24% 32.0% 29.5%
Eliminations -1.0 -1.9
Total gross profit 2,029.7 1,730.6 17% 17% 22.1% 21.1%
EBITA **
Mass-customized Europe and Asia 417.2 322.0 30% 37% 7.0% 5.9%
Mass-customized North America 6.2 30.9 -80% -71% 0.9% 3.0%
Inhouse services Europe 91.5 54.0 69% 30% 6.0% 5.5%
Inhouse services North America 18.4 8.5 116% 31% 4.5% 3.4%
Interim professionals, search & selection 51.3 46.6 10% 4% 8.3% 9.0%
Corporate -30.2 -25.9
Total EBITA 554.4 436.1 27% 28% 6.0% 5.3%

* Organic growth is measured excluding the impact of currency effects, acquisitions, disposals and transfers between segments.

** EBITA: operating profit before amortization acquisition-related intangible assets and impairment goodwill.

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Information by geographical area

(unaudited)

Three months ended December 31
In millions of € 2007 2006 change
2007/2006
organic
*
growth
margins
2007
margins
2006
Revenue
Netherlands 844.4 796.2 6% 6%
Germany 437.5 370.7 18% 15%
Belgium/Luxembourg 277.5 254.5 9% 9%
France 174.0 145.8 19% 19%
Spain 129.3 133.9 -3% 1%
United Kingdom 72.5 69.3 5% 10%
Italy 91.1 71.9 27% 27%
Other European counties 83.4 64.3 30% 7%
North America 282.2 313.5 -10% 1%
Asia 41.2 6.5
Total revenue 2,433.1 2,226.6 9% 9%
Gross profit
Netherlands 233.1 205.1 14% 12% 27.6% 25.8%
Germany 106.9 92.8 15% 12% 24.4% 25.0%
Belgium/Luxembourg 57.0 49.7 15% 14% 20.5% 19.5%
France 28.2 20.2 40% 40% 16.2% 13.9%
Spain 21.8 21.9 0% 3% 16.9% 16.4%
United Kingdom 15.8 14.3 10% 16% 21.8% 20.6%
Italy 16.5 12.6 31% 31% 18.1% 17.5%
Other European countries 15.9 11.8 35% 11% 19.1% 18.4%
North America 48.8 54.1 -10% 1% 17.3% 17.3%
Asia 1.9 1.0
Total gross profit 545.9 483.5 13% 12% 22.4% 21.7%

Information by geographical area

Twelve months ended December 31
In millions of € 2007 2006 change
2007/2006
organic
*
growth
margins
2007
margins
2006
Revenue
Netherlands 3,217.9 2,912.2 10% 9%
Germany 1,627.2 1,307.4 24% 23%
Belgium/Luxembourg 1,072.7 923.6 16% 16%
France 650.4 532.2 22% 22%
Spain 507.9 498.0 2% 7%
United Kingdom 268.4 249.0 8% 8%
Italy 317.1 253.2 25% 25%
Other European counties 282.1 223.4 26% 13%
North America 1,132.9 1,270.7 -11% -2%
Asia 120.4 16.4
Total revenue 9,197.0 8,186.1 12% 12%
Gross profit
Netherlands 859.4 708.1 21% 18% 26.7% 24.3%
Germany 391.0 325.4 20% 19% 24.0% 24.9%
Belgium/Luxembourg 213.4 173.6 23% 22% 19.9% 18.8%
France 102.6 75.5 36% 36% 15.8% 14.2%
Spain 89.8 80.3 12% 16% 17.7% 16.1%
United Kingdom 60.6 53.3 14% 14% 22.6% 21.4%
Italy 54.1 42.9 26% 26% 17.1% 16.9%
Other European countries 54.1 41.2 31% 17% 19.2% 18.4%
North America 197.8 227.2 -13% -3% 17.5% 17.9%
Asia 6.9 3.1
Total gross profit 2,029.7 1,730.6 17% 17% 22.1% 21.1%

* Organic growth is measured excluding the impact of currency effects, acquisitions, disposals and transfers between segments.

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Consolidated balance sheet

In millions of € December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
Assets
Property, plant and equipment 135.7 117.1
Intangible assets 433.3 324.2
Deferred income tax assets 282.5 329.0
Financial assets and associates 491.1 11.9
Non-current assets 1,342.6 782.2
Trade and other receivables 1,570.4 1,443.0
Income tax receivables 20.1 6.1
Cash and cash equivalents 384.1 346.5
Current assets 1,974.6 1,795.6
Total assets 3,317.2 2,577.8
Equity and liabilities
Issued capital 11.7 11.6
Share premium 432.6 404.6
Reserves 577.3 374.1
Shareholders' equity 1,021.6 790.3
Minority interest 0.8 -
Group equity 1,022.4 790.3
Preferred shares 165.8 165.8
Borrowings 460.0 -
Deferred income tax liabilities 287.3 298.9
Provisions 46.7 49.4
Non-current liabilities 959.8 514.1
Trade and other payables 1,168.1 1,095.7
Income tax liabilities 57.5 48.4
Borrowings 68.3 96.2
Provisions 41.1 33.1
Current liabilities 1,335.0 1,273.4
Total equity and liabilities 3,317.2 2,577.8

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Consolidated cash flow statement

(Q4 unaudited)

Three months ended
December 31
Twelve months ended
December 31
In millions of € 2007 2006 2007 2006
Net income 118.5 134.5 384.9 360.3
Taxes on income 42.7 2.9 154.6 54.1
Share of profit of associates -2.0 - -2.0 -
Net finance costs 1.2 2.2 2.1 9.2
Operating profit 160.4 139.6 539.6 423.6
Depreciation property, plant and equipment 10.8 8.3 39.0 32.3
Amortization software 3.3 4.6 12.2 15.8
Amortization acquisition-related intangible assets 4.5 3.5 14.8 11.5
Impairment goodwill - 1.0 - 1.0
Share-based payments 2.9 1.3 11.2 4.6
Provisions
Income taxes paid
-5.6
-64.2
-0.1
-33.9
-5.4
-153.0
-0.6
-105.6
Cash flow from operations before operating working capital 112.1 124.3 458.4 382.6
Trade and other receivables 37.5 27.2 -120.0 -130.2
Trade and other payables 11.0 53.0 63.0 157.2
Operating working capital 48.5 80.2 -57.0 27.0
Net cash flow from operating activities 160.6 204.5 401.4 409.6
Additions of property, plant and equipment -15.5 -16.3 -60.5 -50.8
Additions of software -6.0 -7.0 -13.9 -11.0
Acquisition of subsidiaries and associates -548.9 -72.9 -587.5 -219.2
Financial receivables -0.9 0.6 -0.7 -0.5
Disposals of property, plant and equipment
Disposal of subsidiaries
0.3
-
1.2
2.7
2.1
-
2.7
3.7
Net cash flow from investing activities -571.0 -91.7 -660.5 -275.1
Re-issue of purchased ordinary shares - - 0.6 1.0
Issue of ordinary shares 0.0 2.5 7.8 3.9
Drawings on/(repayments of) non-current borrowings 460.0 -190.1 460.0 -130.5
Financing 460.0 -187.6 468.4 -125.6
Financial income and expenses received 1.4 0.3 8.2 0.4
Dividend paid on ordinary shares - - -145.3 -90.7
Dividend paid on preferred shares B - - -7.2 -8.4
Reimbursement to financiers 1.4 0.3 -144.3 -98.7
Net cash flow from financing activities 461.4 -187.3 324.1 -224.3
Net increase / (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents
and current borrowings 51.0 -74.5 65.0 -89.8
Cash, cash equivalents and current borrowings at
begin of period 263.8 324.1 250.3 336.5
Net increase / (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and
current borrowings 51.0 -74.5 65.0 -89.8
Translation gains 1.0 0.7 0.5 3.6
Cash, cash equivalents and current borrowings at
end of period 315.8 250.3 315.8 250.3
Free cash flow 138.5 183.0 328.4 350.0

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Consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity

(Q4 unaudited)

In millions of € 2007 2006
Value at October 1 909.2 660.4
Movements in the period:
Net income for the period
Translation differences
118.5
-9.0
134.5
-8.4
Total recognized income 109.5 126.1
Share-based payments
Issue of ordinary shares
2.9
0.0
1.3
2.5
Value at December 31 1,021.6 790.3
In millions of € 2007 2006
Value at January 1 790.3 536.2
Movements in the period:
Net income for the period 384.9 360.3
Translation differences -27.9 -25.0
Total recognized income 357.0 335.3
Dividend paid on ordinary shares -145.3 -90.7
Share-based payments 11.2 4.6
Re-issue of purchased ordinary shares 0.6 1.0
Issue of ordinary shares 7.8 3.9
Value at December 31 1,021.6 790.3

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Accounting policies

In this quarterly report the accounting policies as included in our annual reports 2007 and 2006 are applied. The following during 2007 acquired companies have been included in the YTD Q4 consolidated figures: OK Consulting gcv, Thremen BV, Job One SA, Pacific Team Ltd., Team BS Management Holding GmbH, Centrale Inkomensadministratie Nederland 'CIAN' BV. Talent Shanghai Co., Ltd is consolidated as from April 2, 2007.

Core data

) In millions of €

Balance sheet December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
Operating working capital * 409.5 354.5
Borrowings (excluding preferred shares) 528.3 96.2
(Net debt) / net cash (excluding preferred shares) -144.2 250.3

* Operating working capital is defined as trade and other receivables minus trade and other payables plus dividend payable preferred shares.

Split up operating expenses Three months ended Twelve months ended
(Q4 unaudited) December 31 December 31
2007 2006 2007 2006
Personnel expenses
Other operating expenses
267.9
113.1
241.4
98.0
1,021.1
454.2
898.7
395.8
Operating expenses 381.0 339.4 1,475.3 1,294.5
Amortization acquisition-related intangible assets and
impairment goodwill
4.5 4.5 14.8 12.5
Total operating expenses 385.5 343.9 1,490.1 1,307.0
Depreciation and amortization software
Depreciation property, plant and equipment
Amortization software
10.8
3.3
8.3
4.6
39.0
12.2
32.3
15.8
Total depreciation and amortization software 14.1 12.9 51.2 48.1
EPS calculation
Net income for ordinary shareholders 118.5 134.5 384.9 360.3
Amortization acquisition-related intangible assets and
impairment goodwill (after taxes)
3.1 3.3 10.1 8.6
Net income before amortization acquisition-related intangible
assets and impairment goodwill
121.6 137.8 395.0 368.9
Basic EPS (in €) 1.02 1.16 3.31 3.11
Diluted EPS (in €) 1.02 1.15 3.30 3.10
Diluted EPS before amortization acquisition-related intangible
assets and impairment goodwill (in €)
1.04 1.18 3.38 3.17
Average number of ordinary shares outstanding (mln)
Average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding (mln)
116.6
116.8
116.0
116.5
116.4
116.8
115.8
116.3

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Notes to the consolidated interim financial statements

Reporting entity

Randstad Holding nv is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in the Netherlands and listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

The consolidated interim financial statements of Randstad Holding nv as at and for the three and twelve months' period ended December 31, 2007 include the company and its Group companies (together called the 'Group').

Significant accounting policies

These consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and its interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), as adopted by the European Union (hereafter: IFRS).

The accounting polices applied by the Group in these consolidated interim financial statements are unchanged compared to those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Basis of presentation

These consolidated interim financial statements are condensed and prepared in accordance with (IFRS) IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'; they do not include all of the information required for full (annual) financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended December 31, 2006.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended December 31, 2006 are available upon request at the Company's office or at www.ir.randstad.com.

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated interim financial statements, requires the Group to make certain judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In preparing these consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgments, estimates and assumptions, were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Seasonality

The Group's activities are impacted by seasonal patterns. The volume of transactions throughout the year fluctuates per quarter, dependent upon demand as well as variations in items such as the number of working days, public holidays and holiday periods. Historically, the Group usually generates its strongest revenue and profits in the second half of the year. Historically, in the second quarter free cash flow is usually negative due to the timing of the payments of holiday allowances and dividend; free cash flow tends to be the strongest in the second half of the year.

Effective tax rate/income tax expense

The effective tax rate in Q4 2007 is 26.5% versus 2.1% in Q4 2006. The 26.5% in Q4 2007 is close to the underlying effective tax rate of approximately 26% for the whole year, whereas Q4 2006 was affected by a non-recurring tax gain of approximately € 23 million; without this tax gain the tax rate in Q4 2006 was in line with the underlying tax rate for the whole year 2006 of 18.5%. For the whole year 2007 the effective tax rate is 28.7%, including a non-recurring (non cash) charge in Q3 2007 of € 14 million due to the revaluation of the German deferred tax assets, based upon the decrease in the corporate income tax and trade tax rates starting January 1, 2008; without this charge the effective tax rate was 26.1% in 2007. For the whole year 2006 the effective tax rate was 13.1%, including the € 23 million one-off tax gain.

The increase in the underlying effective tax rate from 18.5% in 2006 to approximately 26% in 2007 is in line with our tax planning. The decrease in a number of nominal tax rates in several countries (the Netherlands, Spain) caused an improvement in the 'weighted average applicable tax rate" from 32.7% in 2006 to 30.4% in 2007. This improvement was however offset by a relatively lower effect from tax-exempt income as well as a negative balance in comparison to 2006 with regards to the valuation of, mainly US related, deferred tax assets.

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Acquisitions of subsidiaries

The total cash out for acquisitions year to date December 31, 2007 is € 108.6 million (Q4: € 70.0 million), including € 4.4 million (Q4: € 0.2 million) for acquired companies in preceding years.

In Q4 the Group acquired as per October 1, 2007 100% of the shares of the German regular staffing company Team BS Management Holding GmbH (for which company earn-out arrangements exist) and 100% of the shares of Centrale Inkomensadministratie Nederland "CIAN" BV, a payroll administration and payroll processing company (for the Dutch employees of Philips).

During the first three quarters, the Group acquired as per April 2, 2007 a further 23% in Talent Shanghai, China, resulting in a 70% interest; this company is consolidated as from that date. The Group furthermore acquired as per June 26, 2007 100% of the shares of Job One SA, a Swiss based general staffing company (for which company earn-out arrangements exist) and 100% of the shares of Thremen bv as per March 29, 2007 and of a small Belgium based company at the beginning of the year.

The assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions as per December 31, 2007, as well as the breakdown of the total amount of goodwill are:

In millions of € carrying amount fair value fair value,
December 31, December 31, September 30,
2007 2007 2007
Tangible fixed assets 0.5 0.6 0.3
Software 0.2 0.2 -
Acquisition-related intangible assets - 35.1 14.7
Working capital (including € 0.2 million for purchased -11.6 -11.6 2.9
minority interest)
Deferred taxes 0.0 -9.6 -3.2
Provisions - -0.9 -0.9
Net assets acquired (100%) -10.9 13.8 13.8
Less: net value already included in associate and
minority interest 1.6 1.6
Subtotal 12.2 12.2
Goodwill 82.8 28.3
Total consideration 95.0 40.5
Deferred compensations -3.5 -2.9
Consideration paid 91.5 37.6
Net debt / (net cash) of subsidiaries acquired 12.7 -3.2
Consideration paid, adjusted for net debt / (net cash) 104.2 34.4
Consideration paid for acquisitions in preceding years 4.4 4.2
Acquisition of subsidiaries 108.6 38.6

Goodwill is mainly attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the Group's acquisition of these companies and to the workforce of the acquired businesses. The expected costs for all acquisitions are (to be) paid in cash.

The contribution of the acquired businesses to Group's revenue and operating profit for the twelve months' period ended December 31, 2007 is € 148.9 million and € 1.9 million, respectively. If these acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2007, Group revenue and operating profit would have been higher by approximately € 240 million and € 4 million respectively.

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Acquisition of associates

In December 2007 we spent € 478.9 million on the acquisition of a 15.03% stake in Vedior N.V.

Shareholders' equity

The issued number of ordinary shares increased as follows:

Number of issued shares as at December 31, 2006 116,096,328
Issue from share-based payment arrangements 510,537
Number of issued shares as at December 31, 2007 116,606,865

During the twelve months' period ended December 31, 2007 the company also re-issued 36,000 purchased ordinary shares.