(AOF) – In the fourth quarter, Sword Group’s EBITDA margin was 13.2%, exceeding its target profitability of 12%. The 2021 profitability of 15% benefited from the Software part (Sword GRC), which was sold, that of the Services part was 12.3%. Turnover reached 72.3 million euros, organic growth of 26.4%. The net cash position amounted to 38.7 million euros at December 31. However, the deferred payment for the sale of Sword GRC of 11.3 million euros, the collection of which has been postponed to January 4, 2023, must be considered.
The net cash position, excluding IFRS standards, at the beginning of the year is therefore 50 million euros.
In 2023, the IT group “will continue an ambitious organic growth policy but concerned with maintaining stable profitability”. The 2023 budget therefore provides for organic growth of 15%.
This growth rate takes into consideration the objective of consolidating Sword Group positions after a “year of exceptional growth” and the economic and geopolitical risks of 2023.
At the same time, the group will strive to target small acquisitions if these provide additional positioning and to identify projects likely to boost 2023 growth and especially 2024 and 2025 growth.
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Growth hampered by recruitment
According to a study for Numeum, the digital professional organization, 79% of companies in the sector consider that their growth is hampered by the shortage of talent in the face of demand driven by digital transformation. Digital services companies forecast 5% growth for 2022. Several levers are activated by companies to attract talent, in particular remuneration, while average salaries have generally increased in the IT sector. New work organisations, career development prospects and meaningful assignments are other assets. Capgemini has therefore adopted a new agreement offering up to 70% telework to all employees. These adaptations are essential as a report from the Department of Research, Studies and Statistics (Dares) and France Strategy establishes that IT professions will be among those who will recruit the most by 2030. .