FDM set to end year as expected amid client slowdown

(Sharecast News) - FDM Group said in an update on Tuesday that it expects its financial performance for 2025 to be in line with expectations, despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty that continues to weigh on client confidence and hiring decisions. The London-listed IT professional services provider reported 2,003 consultants assigned to clients at 31 October, down from 2,173 at the end of June and 2,906 a year earlier.

It said the slowdown in client activity had lengthened decision cycles and dampened near-term demand for consultants, though it had seen a modest pick-up in some key geographies since the summer.

"In response to these early indicators we have cautiously increased our volume of consultants in training in the UK, North America and Australia," the company said, adding that it was "hopeful that this pick-up in activity levels will continue".

FDM said its balance sheet remained strong, with £40.1m in cash at the end of October, up from £34.6m in June but below £47.7 million a year earlier, with no debt.

An interim dividend of 6p per share, totalling £6.6m, is due to be paid on 14 November, compared with 10p per share, or £10.9m, in 2024.

The firm said it continued to manage costs carefully while retaining flexibility to adapt to client needs.

"We continue to take the appropriate measures to adjust our resources to align with market conditions, prudently managing our cost base while remaining sufficiently agile to respond to evolving client demand," FDM said.

At 1052 GMT, shares in FDM Group Holdings were up 8.73% at 137p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.