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Randstad N.V. Interim / Quarterly Report 2018

Apr 24, 2018

3880_iss_2018-04-24_fd9bd10b-f1b4-45a1-b2d7-f71e48961d50.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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quarter results

2018.

human forward.

contents

Q1 2018: sound revenue growth continues.

financial performance

performance

9 performance by geography

other information

interim financial statements

Q1 2018: sound revenue growth continues.

organic revenue growth
+7.4%
underlying EBITA
€ 217 m
EBITA margin
3.8%
toplinegrew9%inEurope,
1% in North America and
11% in Rest of the world;
ongoing market share
gains in most regions
gross margin 19.6%;
pricing climate stable;
perm fees up 13% (Q4
2017: up 13%)
underlying EBITA of
€217million;EBITAmargin
3.8% stable YoY (incl.
impact of FX, working day
and high sickness)
organic opex up 2% (Q4
2017: up 5%); underlying
ICR around 50%
leverage ratio of
0.9
March organic sales
growth in line with Q1;
volumes in early April
indicate a continuation of
the trend

"We started 2018 well, achieving sound organic revenue and even double-digit perm growth," says CEO Jacques van den Broek. "Overall market circumstances remained positive. We continue to outperform in most relevant markets, driven by our Tech & Touch strategy and strong operational execution. Nevertheless, we remain focused on the balance between growth and profitability. We support our consultants, clients and candidates in adopting and embracing digital where this works best, and so optimizing human interaction. Our global roll-out of digital initiatives such as workforce scheduling, data-driven sales and talent engagement is in full swing."

Our annual report 2017 is available on www.ir.randstad.com.

financial performance.

core data

yoy yoy
in millions of €, unless otherwise indicated - underlying Q1 2018 Q1 2017 change % org. L4Q 2018 L4Q 2017 change % org.
Revenue 5,683 5,557 2% 7% 23,399 21,539 9% 9%
Gross profit 1,114 1,134 (2)% 4% 4,688 4,202 12% 7%
Operating expenses 897 925 (3)% 2% 3,615 3,216 12% 4%
EBITA, underlying1 217 209 4% 7% 1,073 986 9% 9%
Integration costs and one-offs (12) (18) (65) (69)
EBITA 205 191 7% 1,008 917 10%
Amortization of intangible assets2 (33) (34) (133) (105)
Operating profit 172 157 875 812
Net finance costs (6) (2) (27) (12)
Share of profit/(loss) of associates - - 1 -
Income before taxes 166 155 7% 849 800 6%
Taxes on income (39) (39) (207) (198)
Net income 127 116 9% 642 602 7%
Adj. net income for holders of ordinary shares3 157 148 6% 765 714 7%
Free cash flow (25) 120 (121)% 441 522 (16)%
Net debt 1,059 1,129
Leverage ratio (net debt/12-month EBITDA) 0.9 1.1
DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), moving average 53.8 51.4
Margins (in % of revenue)
Gross margin 19.6% 20.4% 20.0% 19.5%
Operating expenses margin 15.8% 16.7% 15.4% 14.9%
EBITA margin, underlying 3.8% 3.8% 4.6% 4.6%
Share data
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in €) 0.68 0.62 10% 3.44 3.23 7%
Diluted earnings per ordinary share, underlying (in €)3 0.85 0.81 5% 4.15 3.89 7%

1 EBITA adjusted for integration costs and one-os.

2 Amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill.

3 Before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill, integration costs and one-os. See table 'Earnings per share' on page 22.

revenue

Organic revenue per working day grew by 7.4% in Q1resulting in revenue of € 5,683 million (Q4 2017: up 8.7%). Reported revenue was 2.3% above Q1 2017, of which M&A contributed 0.1%. FX and working days had a negative eect of 4.5% and 0.8% respectively.

In North America, revenue per working day increased 1% (Q4 2017: up 1%). Growth in the US was flat (Q4 2017: flat), while Canada grew by 7% (Q4 2017: up 10%). In Europe, revenue per working day grew by 9% (Q4 2017: up 11%). Topline growth in France amounted to 10% (Q4 2017: up 12%), while the Netherlands grew by 5% (Q4 2017: up 3%). Germany was up 7% (Q4 2017: up 10%), while sales growth in Belgium was 9% (Q4 2017: up 10%), despite 5% tougher comparables. Italy grew by 19% (Q4 2017: up 26%), while revenues in Iberia were up by 11% (Q4 2017: up 15%). In the 'Rest of the world' region, revenue increased 11% (Q4 2017: up 10%); Japan increased by 11% (Q4 2017: up 9%), while Australia & New Zealand rose by 6% (Q4 2017: up 8%).

Perm fees grew by 13% (Q4 2017: up 13%), with Europe up 15% (Q4 2017: up 18%) and North America accelerating to 8% (Q4 2017: up 5%). In the 'Rest of the world' region, perm fee growth was 12% (Q4 2017: up 14%). Perm fees made up 10.9% of gross profit.

gross profit

In Q1 2018, gross profit amounted to € 1,114 million. Organic growth was 4.5% (Q4 2017: up 7.9%), impacted by adverse mix eects related to Monster. Currency eects had a negative impact on gross profit of € 60 million compared to Q1 2017.

year-on-year gross margin development (%)

Gross margin was 19.6%, 80bp below Q1 2017 (as shown in the graph above). Temporary staing had a 30bp negative eect on gross margin (Q4 2017: flat), given the adverse impact of working days, a higher sickness rate, mix eects and changes in CICE in France. Permanent placements had 10bp positive eect on gross margin, while HRS/others had a negative impact of 60bp, mostly related to Monster and FX.

operating expenses

On an organic basis, operating expenses increased by € 15 million sequentially to € 897 million. This is primarily related to investments in our organic sales growth (including digital), partially oset by the cost optimization program within Monster. Compared to last year, operating expenses were up 2% (Q4 2017: up 5%) organically, while there was a € 53 million positive FX impact.

sequential OPEX development Q4 -> Q1 in € M

Personnel expenses were up 3% sequentially. Average headcount (in FTE) amounted to 38,660 for the quarter, up 1% compared to Q4 2017 and 4% higher organically YoY.

Productivity (measured as gross profit per FTE) was 2% higher YoY (Q4 2017: up 3%) on an organic basis. We operated a network of 4,744 outlets (Q4 2017: 4,858).

Operating expenses in Q1 2018 were adjusted for a total of € 12 million one-os, of which € 5 million relates to integration costs and € 7 million to restructuring costs. Last year's cost base was adjusted for a total of € 18 million one-o costs.

EBITA

Underlying EBITA increased organically by 7% to € 217 million. Currency eects had a € 8 million adverse impact YoY. EBITA margin reached 3.8%, flat compared to Q1 2017. This included an adverse working day eect and the extraordinary high sickness rate in several countries. We achieved an organic incremental conversion ratio (ICR)1 of 41% over the last four quarters.

net finance costs

In Q1 2018, net finance costs were € 6 million, compared with € 2 million in Q1 2017. Interest expenses on our net debt position were € 4 million (Q1 2017: € 5 million). Foreign currency and other eects had a negative impact of € 2 million (Q1 2017: positive impact of € 3 million).

tax

The eective tax rate before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangibles and goodwill, integration costs, and one-os amounted to 24.2% (Q1 2017: 26.7%) and is based on the estimated eective tax rate for the whole year 2018. For 2018, we expect an eective tax rate before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangibles and goodwill, integration costs, and one-os of between 24% and 26%.

net income, earnings per share

In Q1 2018, adjusted net income rose by 6% YoY to € 157 million. Diluted underlying EPS amounted to € 0.85 (Q1 2017: € 0.81). The average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding remained almost stable compared to Q1 2017 (183.5 million versus 183.4 million).

1 Additional EBITA year-on-year, as a % of additional gross profit year-on-year, based on organic growth.

invested capital

Our invested capital mainly comprises goodwill and acquisition-related intangibles, net tax assets, and operating working capital.

in millions of €, unless otherwise indicated march 31,
2018
december
31, 2017
september 30,
2017
june 30,
2017
march 31,
2017
december
31, 2016
Goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets 3,406 3,475 3,519 3,582 3,693 3,286
Operating working capital (OWC)1 1,006 890 991 983 752 712
Net tax assets2 381 357 404 421 449 480
All other assets/(liabilities)3 76 555 555 515 122 456
Invested capital 4,869 5,277 5,469 5,501 5,016 4,934
Financed by
Total equity 3,810 4,251 4,080 3,945 3,887 4,141
Net debt 1,059 1,026 1,389 1,556 1,129 793
Invested capital 4,869 5,277 5,469 5,501 5,016 4,934
Ratios
DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), moving average4 53.8 53.2 52.5 52.1 51.4 51.4
OWC as % of revenue over last 12 months 4.3% 3.8% 4.3% 4.4% 3.5% 3.4%
Leverage ratio (net debt/12-month EBITDA) 0.9 0.9 1.4 1.5 1.1 0.8
Return on invested capital5 17.6% 16.7% 15.3% 15.2% 16.6% 15.9%

1 Operating working capital: Trade and otherreceivables minus the current part of financial fixed assets, deferred receipts from disposed Group companies and interestreceivable minus trade and other payables excluding interest payable.

2 Net tax assets: Deferred income tax assets and income tax receivables less deferred income tax liabilities and income tax liabilities.

3 All other assets/(liabilities), mainly containing property, plant & equipment, software plus financial assets and associates, less provisions and employee benefit obligations and other liabilities. As at March 31, 2018 and 2017, dividend payable is also included (€ 518 and € 359 million respectively).

4 DSO Q1, 2017 recalculated for comparative purposes for prior acquisitions

5 Return on invested capital: underlying EBITA (last 12 months) less income tax paid (last 12 months) as percentage of invested capital.

Return on invested capital (ROIC) reached 17.6%, an improvement both year-on-year and sequentially. This was mainly driven by our operational performance and our strong focus on improving the returns of previously acquired businesses. Combined with our primarily organic growth focus, this should further lift the Group's ROIC going forward.

Operating working capital increased sequentially to € 1,006 million, partially due to normal seasonal patterns in our business. The moving average of Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) increased to 53.8 days (Q1 2017: 51.4), primarily due to unfavorable timing of Easter at the closing of the quarter and adverse mix eects (faster sales growth in countries with above-average DSO).

The sequential decrease in 'all other assets/liabilities' is mainly explained by the timing of the dividend announcement (€ 518 million) in Q1 2018. The decrease YoY is a mix of higher dividends announced and an increase of the CICE receivable. The total CICE subsidy receivable is € 505 million, including the current portion of € 99 million.

At the end of Q1 2018, net debt was € 1,059 million, compared to € 1,129 million at the end of Q1 2017. A further analysis of the cash flow is provided in the next section. The leverage ratio was 0.9, compared to 1.1 in the previous year. The syndicated credit facility allows a leverage ratio of up to 3.5, while we set ourselves a maximum leverage ratio of 2.

cash flow summary

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017 change L4Q 2018 L4Q 2017 change
EBITA 205 191 7% 1,008 917 10%
Depreciation and amortization of software 21 21 87 80
EBITDA 226 212 7% 1,095 997 10%
Working capital (126) 4 (305) (138)
Provisions and employee benefit obligations (1) (1) 8 6
All other items (25) (26) (38) (86)
Income taxes (78) (49) (215) (155)
Net cash flow from operating activities (4) 140 (103)% 545 624 (13)%
Net capital expenditures (21) (20) (97) (101)
Financial assets - - (7) (1)
Free cash flow (25) 120 (121)% 441 522 (16)%
Net (acquisitions)/disposals1 3 (445) (15) (977)
Dividends from associates - - 1 -
Issue of ordinary shares 1 - 2 -
Purchase of own ordinary shares (15) (17) (37) (39)
Dividend on ordinary shares - - (346) (307)
Dividend on preference shares - - (13) (13)
Net finance costs (2) (4) (16) (15)
Translation and other effects 5 10 53 (4)
Net (increase)/decrease of net debt (33) (336) 70 (833)

1 including acquired non-current borrowings.

In the quarter, free cash flow was € 25 million negative, down from € 120 million the prior year. Over the L4Qs, free cash flow was € 441 million, down 16% to the prior-year L4Qs (€ 522 million).

Main driver for the decrease in free cash flow YoY was the unfavorable timing of Easter at the closing of the quarter. Also, timing of payments adversely impacted our working capital and cash tax.

All other items include an amount of € 32 million from the Tax Credit and Competitive Employment Act (CICE) in France, which is included in the CICE receivable as at March 31, 2018.

performance.

performance by geography

split by geography

Netherlands Italy Global Businesses

France Iberia Germany Other European countries

revenue in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017 organic ∆%1
North America 961 1,094 1%
Netherlands 834 809 5%
France 897 797 10%
Germany 591 559 7%
Belgium & Luxembourg 388 356 9%
Italy 392 330 19%
Iberia 351 324 11%
Other European countries 545 514 11%
Rest of the world 457 474 11%
Global businesses 267 300 0%
Revenue 5,683 5,557 7%

1 Organic change is measured excluding the impact of currencies, acquisitions, disposals, and reclassifications. Forrevenue, the organic change has been adjusted forthe number of working days.

EBITA in millions of €, underlying Q1 2018 EBITA margin1 Q1 2017 EBITA margin1 organic ∆%2
North America 41 4.2% 45 4.1% 3%
Netherlands 44 5.2% 44 5.4% -1%
France 49 5.5% 43 5.4% 12%
Germany 18 3.0% 23 4.1% (24)%
Belgium & Luxembourg 23 6.0% 20 5.7% 12%
Italy 22 5.7% 17 5.0% 36%
Iberia 16 4.7% 14 4.2% 21%
Other European countries 14 2.6% 13 2.6% 8%
Rest of the world 13 2.8% 10 2.1% 44%
Global businesses (5) (1.7)% (1) (0.3)% n.m.
Corporate (18) (19)
EBITA before integration costs and one-offs3 217 3.8% 209 3.8% 7%
Integration costs and one-offs (12) (18)
EBITA 205 191

1 EBITA in % of total revenue per segment.

2 Organic change is measured excluding the impact of currencies, acquisitions, disposals, and reclassifications. Forrevenue, the organic change has been adjusted forthe number of working days.

3 Operating profit before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill, integration costs, and one-os.

north america

In North America, revenue growth was up 1% (Q4 2017: up 1%). Perm fees grew 8% (Q4 2017: up 5%). In Q1 2018, revenue of our combined US businesses was flat (Q4 2017: flat). US Staing/Inhouse Services grew by 2% (Q4 2017: up 1%). US Professionals revenue was down 3% (Q4 2017: down 1%). In Canada, revenue was up 7% (Q4 2017: up 10%). EBITA margin for the region came in at 4.2%, compared to 4.1% last year.

netherlands

In the Netherlands, revenue was up 5% YoY (Q4 2017: up 3%). Overall perm fees were down 6% (Q4 2017: flat). Our Staing and Inhouse Services businesses grew 4% (Q4 2017: up 2%), with growth still impacted by a strong focus on client profitability. Our Professionals business was up 8% (Q4 2017: up 5%). Underlying EBITA margin in the Netherlands was 5.2% compared to 5.4% last year.

france

In France, revenue growth was 10% (Q4 2017: up 12%) with a clear focus on client profitability. Perm fees were up 38% compared to last year (Q4 2017: up 37%). Staing/Inhouse Services revenue grew 10% (Q4 2017: up 11%). Our Professionals business was up 13% (Q4 2017: up 18%), again driven by Expectra and healthcare. EBITA margin was 5.5%, up compared to 5.4% last year, more than osetting the adverse impact of the CICE change.

germany

In Germany, revenue per working day was up 7% YoY (Q4 2017: up 10%), negatively impacted by regulation changes and strikes. Our combined Staing and Inhouse Services business was up 6% (Q4 2017: up 10%), while Professionals was up 9% (Q4 2017: up 11%). EBITA margin in Germany was 3.0%, compared to 4.1% last year, largely driven by an extraordinary high sickness rate and an adverse working day eect.

belgium & luxembourg

In Belgium & Luxembourg, revenue was up 9% (Q4 2017: up 10%), ahead of the market. Our Staing/Inhouse Services business was up 9% (Q4 2017: up 9%), while the Professionals business was up 8% (Q4 2017: up 30%). Our EBITA margin was 6.0%, from 5.7% last year.

italy

Revenue per working day in Italy grew by 19% compared to the prior year (Q4 2017: up 26%). EBITA margin improved to 5.7%, from 5.0% last year as we are balancing growth and profitability.

iberia

In Iberia, revenue increased 11% (Q4 2017: up 15%) with Staing/Inhouse Services combined growing 11% (Q4 2017: up 15%). Spain was up 13% (Q4 2017: up 16%) while our focus on permanent placements (up 13%) continues to pay o. In Portugal, revenue improved by 6% (Q4 2017: up 12%). Overall EBITA margin was 4.7% in Q1 2018, compared to 4.2% last year.

other european countries

Across 'Other European countries', revenue per working day grew 11% (Q4 2017: up 12%). In the UK, revenue was up by 7% (Q4 2017: up 11%), while perm fees were down by 14% (Q4 2017: down 9%). In the Nordics, revenue increased by 11% on an organic basis (Q4 2017: up 13%). Revenue in our Swiss business was up 22% YoY (Q4 2017: up 20%). Overall EBITA margin for the 'Other European countries' region was 2.6%, stable compared to last year.

rest of the world

Overall revenue in the 'Rest of the world' region grew by 11% organically (Q4 2017: up 10%). In Japan, revenue grew 11% (Q4 2017: up 9%). Revenue in Australia/New Zealand grew 6% (Q4 2017: up 8%), while revenue in China grew by 5% YoY (Q4 2017: down 10%). Our business in India was down by 1% (Q4 2017: down 3%), while in Latin America revenue grew 32% (Q4 2017: up 27%), driven by Argentina and Brazil. Overall EBITA margin in this region was 2.8%, compared to 2.1% last year, primarily driven by a strong profitability increase in Japan.

global businesses

Overall revenue growth per working day was flat YoY organically. Randstad Sourceright continued to deliver doubledigit revenue growth, while Monster sales growth was down by 16% (Q4 2017: down 15%). Overall EBITA margin came in at -1.7% compared to -0.3% last year, primarily reflecting investments at Monster.

performance by revenue category

revenue in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017 organic ∆%1
Staffing 2,977 2,886 6%
Inhouse Services 1,258 1,193 17%
Professionals 1,181 1,178 4%
Global Businesses 267 300 0%
Revenue 5,683 5,557 7%

1 Organic change is measured excluding the impact of currencies, acquisitions, disposals, and reclassifications. Forrevenue, the organic change has been adjusted forthe number of working days.

other information.

outlook

Revenue grew 7.4% in Q1 2018. In March 2018, revenue grew at a similar pace. The development of volumes in early April broadly indicates a continuation of the Q1 growth rate. There will be an adverse 2.9% comparison base in Q2.

Q2 2018 gross margin is expected to be broadly stable sequentially.

For Q2 2018, we expect a moderate increase in underlying operating expenses sequentially.

There will be a positive 0.4 working day impact in Q2 2018.

working days

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
2018 63.5 62.1 64.1 63.4
2017 64.0 61.7 63.8 62.3
2016 62.5 63.1 64.8 62.8

financial calendar

Publication of second quarter results 2018 July 24, 2018
Ex-special dividend date September 24, 2018
Special dividend record date September 25, 2018
Payment of special dividend September 27, 2018
Publication of third quarter results 2018 October 23, 2018
Publication of fourth quarter and annual results 2018 February 12, 2019

analyst and press conference call

Today (April 24, 2018), at 09.00 am CET, Randstad N.V. will be hosting an analyst conference call. The dial-in numbers are:

International: +44 3333 000 804

Netherlands: +31 20 709 5189

To gain access to the conference please enter the PIN: 21396174#

You can listen to the call through a real-time audio webcast. You can access the webcast and presentation at https:// www.ir.randstad.com/results-and-reports/quarterly-results. A replay of the presentation and the Q&A will be available on our website by the end of the day.

For further information please contact:

David Tailleur - Director Investor Relations [email protected] or (mobile) +31 (0)6 12 46 21 33

Husayn Hirji - Investor Relations Officer [email protected] or (mobile) +31 (0)6 10 41 73 43

Saskia Huuskes - Director Group Communications a.i. [email protected] or (mobile) +31 (0)6 13 22 51 36

disclaimer

Certain statements in this document concern prognoses about the future financial condition, risks, investment plans, and the results of operations of Randstad N.V. and its operating companies, 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 diering from the prognoses made in this document. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, a shortage on the job market, changes in the demand for personnel (including flexible personnel), achievement of cost savings, changes in the business mix, changes in legislation (particularly in relation to employment, staing and tax laws), the role of industry regulators, future currency and interest fluctuations, our ability to identify relevant risks and mitigate their impact, the availability of credit on financially acceptable terms, the successful completion of company acquisitions and their subsequent integration, successful disposals of companies, and the rate of technological developments. These prognoses therefore apply only on the date on which this document was compiled. The quarterly results as presented in this press release are unaudited.

randstad profile

The Randstad Group is a global leader in the HR services industry and specialized in solutions in the field of flexible work and human resources services. We support people and organizations in realizing their true potential. Our services range from regular temporary Staing and permanent placements to Inhouse Services, Professionals, and HR Solutions (including Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Managed Services Programs, and outplacement). Randstad has top-three positions in Argentina, Belgium & Luxembourg, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the United States, and major positions in Australia and Japan. At year-end 2017, Randstad had 38,331 corporate employees and 4,858 branches and Inhouse locations in 39 countries around the world. In 2017, Randstad generated revenue of € 23.3 billion. Randstad was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands. Randstad N.V. is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam, where options for stocks in Randstad are also traded. For more information, see https://www.randstad.com/.

interim

financial

actuals

consolidated income statement

in millions of €, unless otherwise indicated Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Revenue 5,683 5,557
Cost of services 4,569 4,423
Gross profit 1,114 1,134
Selling expenses 635 660
General and administrative expenses 274 283
Operating expenses 909 943
Amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill 33 34
Total operating expenses 942 977
Operating profit 172 157
Net finance (costs) / income (6) (2)
Income before taxes 166 155
Taxes on income (39) (39)
Net income 127 116
Net income attributable to:
Holders of ordinary shares Randstad N.V. 124 113
Holders of preference shares Randstad N.V. 3 3
Equity holders 127 116
Non-controlling interests - -
Net income 127 116
Earnings per share attributable to the holders of ordinary shares of Randstad N.V. (in € per share):
Basic earnings per share 0.68 0.62
Diluted earnings per share 0.67 0.61
Diluted earnings per share before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and
goodwill, integration costs and one-offs
0.85 0.81

information by geographical area and revenue category

revenue by geographical area in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017 North America 961 1,094 Netherlands 835 810 France 897 797 Germany 591 559 Belgium & Luxembourg 388 356 Italy 392 330 Iberia 351 324 Other European countries 546 516 Rest of the world 457 474 Global Businesses 270 302 Elimination of revenue1 (5) (5) Revenue 5,683 5,557

1 Relates to intersegment revenue

EBITA by geographical area

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017
North America 41 45
Netherlands 41 42
France 48 41
Germany 18 23
Belgium & Luxembourg 22 20
Italy 22 15
Iberia 16 14
Other European countries 14 10
Rest of the world 12 10
Global Businesses (11) (10)
Corporate (18) (19)
EBITA1 205 191

1 Operating profit before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill

revenue by revenue category

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Staffing 2,979 2,889
Inhouse 1,258 1,193
Professionals 1,181 1,178
Global businesses 270 302
Elimination of revenue1 (5) (5)
Revenue 5,683 5,557

1 Relates to intersegment revenue

consolidated balance sheet

December 31,
in millions of € March 31, 2018 2017 March 31, 2017
assets
Property, plant and equipment 151 154 163
Intangible assets 3,486 3,555 3,766
Deferred income tax assets 444 438 497
Financial assets and associates 568 530 508
Non-current assets 4,649 4,677 4,934
Trade and other receivables 4,724 4,680 4,358
Income tax receivables 69 79 102
Cash and cash equivalents 297 326 393
Current assets 5,090 5,085 4,853
Total assets 9,739 9,762 9,787
equity and liabilities
Issued capital 26 26 26
Share premium 2,286 2,284 2,283
Reserves 1,497 1,940 1,577
Shareholders' equity 3,809 4,250 3,886
Non-controlling interests 1 1 1
Total equity 3,810 4,251 3,887
Borrowings 542 640 1,250
Deferred income tax liabilities 43 44 60
Provisions and employee benefit obligations 185 186 217
Other liabilities 6 11 14
Non-current liabilities 776 881 1,541
Borrowings 814 712 272
Trade and other payables 3,622 3,694 3,538
Dividends 518 - 359
Income tax liabilities 89 116 90
Provisions and employee benefit obligations 85 86 85
Other liabilities 25 22 15
Current liabilities 5,153 4,630 4,359
Liabilities 5,929 5,511 5,900
Total equity and liabilities 9,739 9,762 9,787

consolidated statement of cash flows

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Operating profit 172 157
Amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill 33 34
EBITA 205 191
Depreciation and amortization of software 21 21
EBITDA 226 212
Provisions and employee benefit obligations (1) (1)
Share-based compensations 9 8
/loss on disposal of subsidiaries/activities (2) -
Other items (32) (34)
Cash flow from operations before operating working capital and income taxes 200 185
Trade and other receivables (86) (19)
Trade and other payables (40) 23
Operating working capital (126) 4
Income taxes (78) (49)
Net cash flow from operating activities (4) 140
Additions in property, plant and equipment (14) (14)
Additions in software (10) (12)
Disposals of property, plant and equipment 3 6
Acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and equity investments (7) (338)
Disposal of subsidiaries/activities 10 -
Net cash flow from investing activities (18) (358)
Issue of new ordinary shares 1 -
Net purchase of own ordinary shares (15) (17)
(Net repayments of) / net drawings on non-current borrowings (87) 409
Net financing (101) 392
Net finance costs (2) (4)
Net reimbursement to financiers (2) (4)
Net cash flow from financing activities (103) 388
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents, and current borrowings (125) 170
Cash, cash equivalents, and current borrowings at beginning of period (386) (53)
Net movement (125) 170
Translation and currency (losses)/gains (6) 4
Cash, cash equivalents, and current borrowings at end of period (517) 121
Free cash flow (25) 120

consolidated statement of comprehensive income

in millions of € January 1 - March 31, 2018 January 1 - March 31, 2017
shareholders'
equity
non
controlling
interests
total equity shareholders'
equity
non
controlling
interests
total equity
Net income for the period 127 - 127 116 - 116
Fair value adjustment of equity investments 1 - 1 - - -
Translation differences (46) - (46) (10) - (10)
Total comprehensive income 82 - 82 106 - 106

consolidated statement of changes in equity

in millions of € January 1 - March 31, 2018 January 1 - March 31, 2017
shareholders'
equity
non
controlling
interests
total equity shareholders'
equity
non
controlling
interests
total equity
Value at December 31 4,250 1 4,251 4,140 1 4,141
Total comprehensive income 82 - 82 106 - 106
Dividend payable on ordinary shares (505) - (505) (346) - (346)
Dividend payable on preference shares (13) - (13) (13) - (13)
Share-based compensations 9 - 9 8 - 8
Tax on share-based compensations - - - 8 - 8
Issue of ordinary shares 1 - 1 - - -
Net purchase of own ordinary shares (15) - (15) (17) - (17)
Value at March 31 3,809 1 3,810 3,886 1 3,887

notes to the consolidated interim financial statements

reporting entity

Randstad N.V. (formerly Randstad Holding nv, changed its name April 11, 2018) is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in the Netherlands and listed on Euronext Amsterdam.

The consolidated interim financial statements of Randstad N.V. as at and for the three month period ended March 31, 2018 include the company and its subsidiaries (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 (hereinafter: IFRS).

The accounting policies applied by the Group in these consolidated interim financial statements are unchanged from those applied by the Group in its consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

basis of presentation

These consolidated interim financial statements have been condensed and prepared in accordance with (IFRS) IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'; they do not include all the information required for full (i.e., 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, 2017.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017 are available upon request at the Company's oice or on www.randstad.com.

estimates

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

In preparing these consolidated interim financial statements, the significant judgments, estimates, and assumptions are the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

seasonality

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

effective tax rate

The eective tax rate for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 is 23.5% (Q1, 2017: 25%), and is based on the estimated tax rate for the whole year 2018 (actual FY 2017: 24.7%)

acquisition of group companies, equity investments and associates

The cash outflow for acquisitions in Q1 amounted to € 7 million (Q1, 2017: € 338 million, not including the non-current borrowings acquired in the amount of € 107 million). The cash outflow related for € 5 million to equity investments/ associates and for € 2 million to payments in respect of acquisitions in prior years.

disposal of group companies

In Q1, 2018, the Group disposed of its Monster activities in the Asia Pacific region, that resulted in a cash inflow of € 10 million. The summary of disposed assets and liabilities and the cash inflow of these disposed activities is shown in the table below. The consideration is preliminary.

Reconciliation of cash flow disposal of subsidiaries/activities
in millions of € Q1 2018
Property, plant & equipment and software 1
Goodwill and acquisition-related intangible assets 4
Non-current assets 5
Working capital 12
Assets and liabilities in disposed subsidiaries/activities 17
Translation , reclassified to income statement (1)
Net assets disposed, after reclassification translation differences 16
Gain on disposal 2
Consideration 18
Net cash disposed, included in working capital (8)
Consideration received, adjusted for net cash disposed, statement of cash flows disposal of subsidiaries/activities 10

shareholders' equity

Issued number of ordinary shares

2018 2017
January 1 183,264,045 183,023,267
Share-based compensations 33,776 220,419
March 31 183,297,821 183,243,686

As at March 31, 2018 the Group held 211,302 treasury shares (March 31, 2017: 10,000), compared to 424,598 as at December 31, 2017. The average number of (diluted) ordinary shares outstanding has been adjusted for these treasury shares.

As at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017 the number of issued preference shares was 25,200,000 (type B) and 50,130,352 (type C).

earnings per share

in millions of €, unless otherwise indictated Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Net income 127 116
Net income attributable to holders of preference shares (3) (3)
Net income attributable to holders of ordinary shares 124 113
Amortization of intangible assets1 33 34
Integration costs and one-offs 12 18
Tax effect on amortization, integration costs, and one-offs (12) (17)
Adjusted net income for holders of ordinary shares 157 148
Average number of ordinary shares outstanding 182.9 182.8
Average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding 183.5 183.4
Earnings per share attributable to the holders of ordinary shares of Randstad N.V. (in € per share):
Basic earnings per share 0.68 0.62
Diluted earnings per share 0.67 0.61
Diluted earnings per share before amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and
goodwill, integration costs, and one-offs2
0.85 0.81

1 Amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets and goodwill.

2 Diluted EPS underlying

net debt position

The net debt position as at March 31, 2018 (€ 1,059 million) was € 33 million higher compared to the net debt position as at December 31, 2017 (€ 1,026 million), which is mainly due to a negative free cashflow while other components are relatively flat.

breakdown of operating expenses

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Personnel expenses 674 695
Other operating expenses 235 248
Operating expenses 909 943

depreciation and amortization software

in millions of € Q1 2018 Q1 2017
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 13 14
Amortization of software 8 7
Depreciation and amortization of software 21 21

french competitive employment act ('CICE')

Included in the consolidated balance sheet under 'financial assets and associates' is an amount of € 406 million (December 31, 2017: € 374 million) relating to the non-current part of a receivable arising from tax credits under the French Competitive Employment Act ('CICE'). An amount of € 99 million (December 31, 2017: € 99 million) is included in 'Trade and other receivables' representing the current part of the CICE receivable.

total comprehensive income

Apart from net income for the period, total comprehensive income comprises translation dierences and related tax eects that subsequently may be reclassified to the income statement in a future reporting period, and fair value adjustments of equity investments that will never be reclassified to the income statement. Included in translation dierences in Q1, 2018 is an amount of € 1 million reclassified translation dierences in respect of disposed companies.

related-party transactions

There are no material changes in the nature, scope, and (relative) scale in this reporting period compared to last year. More information is included in notes 22, 23 and 24 to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

commitments

There are no material changes in the nature and scope of commitments compared to December 31, 2017. More information is included in note 27 to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2017.

events after balance sheet date

Subsequent to the date of the balance sheet, no events material to the Group as a whole occured that require disclosure in this note.