Randstad Q4 revenue drops 8.6% as hiring slows
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Staffing firm Randstad NV reported an 8.6% decline in organic revenue per working day in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Total Q4 revenue fell to €6.18 billion ($6.64 billion) from €7.01 billion ($7.54 billion) last year as economic uncertainty led clients to reduce hiring.
For the full year, Randstad’s revenue declined 6% organically to €25.4 billion ($27.3 billion).
Randstad CEO Sander van ‘t Noordende said, “The global macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, and this is influencing the decision-making of clients and talent.”
“That said, labor markets remain tight, and we continue to demonstrate our ability to adapt and perform in these changing market conditions,” he added.
Revenue fell across most major geographies for Randstad. In North America, Q4 organic revenue dropped 15%, driven by a 31% plunge in permanent placement fees. The combined businesses in the United States saw a 15% revenue contraction.
Germany and other Northern European markets also posted double-digit organic declines amid softened demand. However, Randstad saw modest single-digit slides in Southern Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.
Randstad’s global businesses unit saw an 18% revenue downturn. Global businesses include Randstad Sourceright (RPO, MSP, and total talent solutions), Randstad RiseSmart (outplacement), and twago (a freelance marketplace), as well as the job board Monster.
Despite the revenue squeeze, Randstad maintained a 20.7% gross margin in Q4 through pricing discipline and business mix shifts.
However, Q1 2024 poses headwinds as Randstad expects further demand deterioration and seasonally lower margins.
Randstad said that they will continue to respond quickly and effectively through their diverse portfolio of services and operational adaptability provided by their field steering model.
