SThree PLC (LON: STEM) raised its full-year profit-before-tax forecast to at least £12 million. This update increases the previous guidance of approximately £10 million.
Third-quarter net fees declined 2% year-over-year. This represents an improvement from the 6% and 8% declines recorded in the second and first quarters, respectively.
The life sciences sector returned to growth with an 8% increase in net fees. Strong demand in the U.S. market drove this sector recovery.
One-off working capital efficiencies contributed to the profit outperformance. SThree’s cost-optimization program remains on track, with benefits weighted toward the second half of the year.