Global staffing provider Hays plc reported net fees, or gross profit, rose 36% year over year in its fiscal fourth quarter ended June 30. The increase was 39% on a “like-for-like” basis, which represents organic growth of continuing operations at constant currency.

“We continued to see good momentum throughout the quarter, particularly in perm, and I am pleased to say group fees and profits were ahead of our expectations,” Chief Executive Alistair Cox said.

UK-based Hays noted a sharp increase in all regions with permanent placement gross profit up 67% on a like-for-like basis.

Gross profit growth by geography

The company reported it’s entering its next fiscal year with positive moment and gross profit is now expected to be around £95 million (US$131.6 million).

Hays’ US operations are included in its rest of world category. The company reported US gross profit was up 55% year over year in the fourth quarter. Overall, for North America, gross profit was up 56%.

“All our key markets rebounded significantly as business confidence rose and we saw strong recovery in our largest markets of Germany, Australia and the UK. This was also mirrored in [rest of world], including nine record fee performances including the USA and China,” Cox said. “There are clear signs of skill shortages and wage inflation in certain industries, particularly technology and life sciences.”

Gross profit growth by segment

Temp represented 58% of the company’s gross profit while perm represented 42%.

Share price and market cap

Shares in Hays closed in London at £153.50 (US$212.56), 15.35% below their 52-week high, according to FT.com. The company had a market cap of £2.81 billion (US$3.89 billion).