OREANDA-NEWS. For 2016, the Group upgrades its operating margin forecast to between 11.3% and 11.5% (compared with 11.1% to 11.3% previously). In addition, the Group confirms its guidance for 2016 of revenue growth at constant exchange rates of 7.5% to 9.5% and organic free cash flow generation in excess of €850 million.

The Group estimates the negative impact of currency fluctuations on revenues at -2%, primarily due to the appreciation of the euro against the pound sterling and the Brazilian real.

TRENDS BY BUSINESS

Consulting Services (4% of Group revenues) reaping the benefits of its repositioning on Digital Transformation reported an increase in revenues of 8.1% at constant exchange rates with strong growth in the UK. Operating margin improved 230 basis points year-on-year to 10.4%.

Technology & Engineering Services (15% of Group revenues, previously known as Local Professional Services) reported revenue growth of 13.1% at constant exchange rates in the first six months. Growth was driven, beyond the IGATE contribution, by North America and Rest of Europe regions. The operating margin increased 260 basis points year-on-year to 11.3% in the first half.

Application Services (60% of Group revenue) reported an increase of 17.2% at constant exchange rates for the first-half. Beyond the contribution of IGATE, growth was mainly driven by an acceleration in Europe. Operating margin rose to 11.4% from 10.0% in 2015.

Other Managed Services (21% of Group revenue) reported 9.3% growth in revenues at constant exchange rates thanks to the impact of IGATE and despite the anticipated marked drop in activity in the United Kingdom. Operating margin is 9.2%, up 100 basis points on the first-half 2015.
TRENDS BY REGION

North America (30% of Group revenues) reported, including the integration of IGATE, revenue growth at constant exchange rates of 36.2% year-on-year, driven by the financial services, consumer goods and retail and manufacturing sectors. Excluding the Energy & Utilities sector where the slowdown accelerated in the second quarter, like-for-like growth was 5%. Operating margin increased 180 basis points to 15.1%.

United Kingdom and Ireland (17% of Group revenues) reported revenue growth of 8.6% at constant exchange rates. Local momentum was boosted by contract wins in the private sector which now represents more than half of revenues and reported double-digit organic growth, while the public sector was down as anticipated. The operating margin improved 180 basis points year-on-year to 14.5%.

In the first-half 2016, France (20% of Group revenues) reported a 4.8% increase in revenues, fueled by strong traction in application services. The financial services and consumer goods and retail sectors were the most dynamic during the period. Operating margin improved 40 basis points year-on-year to 6.6%.

Rest of Europe region (which now includes Benelux and represents 26% of Group revenues) reported 6.9% growth in revenues at constant exchange rates, with all geographies and sectors contributing to this result. The operating margin increased 110 basis points to 8.9% for the half-year.

The Asia-Pacific and Latin America region (7% of Group revenues) reported growth of 10.3% at constant exchange rates. Growth remains very dynamic in Asia-Pacific, driven by the financial services and consumer goods and retail sectors. The economic environment remains weak in Brazil but the negative impact on Group growth is reducing. The operating margin, traditionally low in the first half of the year in this region, increased 60 basis points to 3.8% of revenues.