Gattaca (AIM:GATC) expects underlying pre-tax profit of approximately £6.1m for the year ended 31 July, up from £3.3m in the prior year and above its previous guidance of £6m.
The specialist workforce solutions business said group net fee income rose 11% to £43.2m, up 7% on a like-for-like basis, driven by strong contract growth across infrastructure, defence, energy, mobility and digital technology.
Contract net fee income increased 16% year-on-year, or 14% like-for-like, while permanent fees stayed broadly stable, down 3% like-for-like but up 5% at group level reflecting the contribution of Infosec.
Statement of Work income remained subdued through the second half as major client programmes continued to face delays.
Statutory net cash stood at £15m at 31 July, against £15.7m a year earlier and £13m at the end of January, as improved sales productivity and cost focus lifted margin conversion.
Sales headcount finished 4% lower than the prior year end, though targeted recruitment in the fourth quarter lifted numbers 3% during the period, supporting growth plans for the coming year.
"Through our focus on the elements within our control, we enter FY27 with good momentum," said Matthew Wragg, chief executive officer.
The board expects further improvement in pre-tax profit in FY27 and plans targeted investment in sales consultants alongside continued pursuit of complementary acquisitions, with a final dividend to be declared at the forthcoming results.
