Gattaca reports strong first half as sector-focused strategy lifts profits

Gattaca (LSE:GATC) reported a solid performance for the six months to 31 January 2026, with revenue rising 10% to £212.4m and net fee income increasing 13% to £21.4m, supported by strong activity across infrastructure, defence and energy markets. Underlying profit before tax from continuing operations nearly tripled to £3m, while earnings per share more than doubled. The company also increased its interim dividend by one third. Net cash declined to £13m, reflecting higher contractor volumes, the acquisition of InfoSec People and dividend payments made during the previous year.

During the period the group continued to refine its strategic direction, bringing its recruitment operations together under the Matchtech brand and integrating the InfoSec People acquisition to strengthen its cyber security capabilities. The company is also investing in technology to improve efficiency, including a programme focused on AI and automation. While permanent hiring remains relatively subdued and broader macroeconomic conditions remain challenging, Gattaca expects to expand headcount within its key markets and believes it is continuing to gain market share. The group has reaffirmed guidance for £4.5m of underlying pre-tax profit from continuing operations for the full year, signalling confidence in its position within specialist technical recruitment.

Gattaca’s outlook is supported by strong technical indicators and favourable corporate developments, although underlying financial performance remains somewhat mixed. The shares also benefit from a reasonable valuation and an attractive dividend yield, which together enhance the stock’s overall appeal.

More about Gattaca

Gattaca plc is a UK-based specialist staffing group serving the engineering, infrastructure, defence, energy and digital technology sectors. Operating mainly through its Matchtech brand, the company provides contract, permanent and statement-of-work recruitment services, with an increasing focus on higher-growth areas such as cyber security and digital technology.