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Introduction & Market Context
Eezy PLC (HEL:EEZY) presented its Q1 2025 interim results on May 8, 2025, revealing a significant revenue decline amid challenging market conditions. The Finnish staffing and professional services company reported that the overall staffing services market contracted in 2024 but is expected to grow over the company’s strategy period through 2028.
The company operates in a staffing services market estimated at approximately €2.9 billion, with significant footholds in industry, social and healthcare, office work, logistics, HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering), construction, and retail sectors. Meanwhile, the professional services market is estimated at around €500 million, with growth potential in human capital development.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Eezy’s Q1 2025 financial results showed a substantial year-over-year decline across all key metrics. Revenue decreased by 19% to €33.7 million compared to €41.5 million in Q1 2024, while chain-wide revenue fell 12% to €53.0 million.
As shown in the following key financial summary:
Profitability metrics deteriorated significantly, with EBITDA falling to €1.3 million from €2.3 million a year earlier, and EBIT turning negative at -€0.4 million compared to a positive €0.5 million in Q1 2024. Consequently, earnings per share declined to -€0.04 from €0.01 in the same period last year.
The company’s income statement provides a more detailed view of the financial performance:
Eezy’s staffing services, which constitute the bulk of its revenue, saw a 17% decline to €27.8 million in Q1 2025. The company noted that demand remains weak across most sectors, though HoReCa performed almost on par with the previous year, and the capital area showed good performance. Despite the revenue decline, customer satisfaction remained high with an NPS score of 67.
Professional services experienced an even steeper decline of 24%, with revenue falling to €6.1 million from €8.0 million in Q1 2024. This was primarily attributed to weaker demand due to public administration’s TE services reform and subdued demand for headhunting, while employee surveys performed well. The segment maintained an impressive NPS score of 80.
Strategic Initiatives
In response to challenging market conditions, Eezy has accelerated several strategic initiatives under its "GoodWork2028" strategy. A key component is the company’s shift toward an entrepreneur-driven model, which it believes will drive growth and stable profitability.
During Q1 2025, Eezy transferred its Jyväskylä, Vaasa, and Kuopio offices to entrepreneurs, while maintaining group offices in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Seinäjoki. This restructuring is expected to impact revenue by approximately €20 million, with Eezy retaining ownership of the concept, business, and customer base while franchisees operate the business and pay franchise fees.
The company has also accelerated its performance improvement program, which was initially launched in summer 2024. The program aims to improve annual results by around €4 million, with measures already identified and expected to show impact in the second half of 2025:
A significant technological advancement is Eezy’s implementation of AI-assisted technology in staffing services, which aims to increase growth and profitability by automating manual work:
As of April 2025, 42% of orders are made directly by customers, and 27% of filled orders are automatically matched by AI. The company expects to expand this technology to the retail sector by June 2025.
In a notable leadership change, Eezy announced the appointment of Johan Westermarck as CEO, effective May 15, 2025. Westermarck brings experience from previous roles at Bittium Plc, Citec Group Oy Ab, and Maintpartner.
Financial Position
Eezy’s balance sheet as of March 2025 shows a stable equity ratio of 56.0%, though net debt increased to €54.9 million from €52.7 million at the end of 2024:
The company’s cash flow statement indicates some improvement in operating activities, with net cash flows from operating activities at -€0.7 million in Q1 2025 compared to -€1.6 million in Q1 2024:
In April 2025, Eezy concluded financing negotiations with Varma and Nordea, resulting in a new agreement. Under the terms, €10 million in senior loans from Varma will be converted into a new junior loan with a five-year maturity. Varma has the right to convert up to €3 million of this loan into new shares, capped at approximately 4% of the company. The current senior financing remains unchanged, maturing in November 2028.
Forward-Looking Statements
Eezy has opted not to provide specific guidance for 2025, citing economic uncertainty. However, the company noted that previous economic cycles indicate the industry can respond quickly to changing conditions.
The company’s long-term "GoodWork2028" strategy targets doubling both staffing and professional services by 2028, with an 8% EBIT target. For 2025, Eezy has outlined three priorities: growth from customers through its national network and AI technology; increasing performance through a new digital operating model; and becoming an attractive employer by enabling sustainable recruitment and unifying company culture.
Despite current challenges, Eezy’s management expressed confidence that its strategic initiatives, particularly the AI-assisted technology and new operating model, will provide a significant competitive advantage that will be difficult for competitors to replicate.
Full presentation:
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