Sopra Steria - SPPSY STOCK NEWS

Sopra Steria (Euronext Paris: SOP) has completed the acquisition of Assua NV and its subsidiaries, Tobania NV and Python Predictions BV, initially announced on 17 November 2022. This strategic move positions Sopra Steria as a key player in the Belgian digital services market, enhancing its presence in both French- and Dutch-speaking regions. The acquisition is expected to double Sopra Steria's market share, contributing to combined revenues exceeding €200 million and generating significant commercial and operational synergies. Assua NV was included in the group's consolidation on 1 March 2023.

Sopra Steria has acquired a majority stake in CS Group, enhancing its position as a leading provider of critical systems and digital services in the defence, security, space, and energy sectors. The acquisition agreement, completed on November 18, 2022, involved buying approximately 29.73% of CS Group’s shares at €11.50 per share. Following this purchase, Sopra Steria now holds 75.06% of CS Group's share capital and 76.21% of voting rights. CS Group will be consolidated in Sopra Steria's accounts starting on March 1, 2023. A simplified mandatory public buyout for the remaining shares will be filed soon, potentially leading to delisting from Euronext Paris.

Sopra Steria Group has launched the We Share 2023 employee share ownership plan, available to around 96% of its employees across 14 countries from 27 March to 12 April 2023. The plan allows employees to purchase shares with a maximum personal contribution of €3,000, and the company will match this with one free share per share bought. As of 31 December 2022, employee investments represented 6.4% of share capital, increasing to nearly 10% after accounting for other holdings. The total share limit for this plan is 200,000 shares, and subscriptions may be capped if demand exceeds supply.

Sopra Steria Group reported a strong financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2022, achieving revenue of over €5.1 billion, up 8.9% from 2021. Organic growth was 7.6%, surpassing the revised target of 7%. The operating margin improved to 8.9%, while net profit soared by 32% to €247.8 million, resulting in a net profit margin of 4.9%. Free cash flow reached an impressive €287.2 million, exceeding guidance. The company plans a dividend increase to €4.30 per share. For 2023, Sopra targets a slight increase in operating margin above 9.0% and organic growth between 3% and 5%. The strategic focus includes enhancing its presence in critical sectors like defense and cybersecurity.

Sopra Steria Group announced the number of shares and voting rights as of January 31, 2023. The total number of shares stands at 20,547,701, with a theoretical number of voting rights at 26,534,745. However, the number of voting rights that can be exercised is 26,423,480. This announcement complies with French commercial regulations, ensuring transparency for shareholders regarding their voting power.

Sopra Steria has announced its inclusion in Euronext’s CAC SBT 1.5° index, a climate-focused index comprised of companies from the SBF 120 Index that have set emissions reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This index supports sustainable investment by applying negative screening based on UN Global Compact Principles. Sopra Steria has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and emphasizes its strategy and transparency in environmental protection. The company, generating €4.7 billion in revenue in 2021, employs around 47,000 people across nearly 30 countries.

Sopra Steria Group has announced its share and voting rights details as of December 31, 2023. The company has a total of 20,547,701 shares and a theoretical number of 26,559,500 voting rights. The number of voting rights that can be exercised stands at 26,448,235. This announcement complies with French regulations regarding shareholder notifications, ensuring transparency in corporate governance.

Shareholders are advised to refer to the French version for authoritative interpretation.