What is the expected cost and timeline of the YY Circle Perth rollout, and how will it impact the company's operating margins? | YYGH (Aug 15, 2025) | Candlesense

What is the expected cost and timeline of the YY Circle Perth rollout, and how will it impact the company's operating margins?

Cost & timeline

The press release makes clear that YY Circle Perth is already live with its first client, meaning the rollout is effectively underway now rather than a future‑dated plan. While the filing does not spell out a dollar figure, YY Group has framed the Perth expansion as a “incremental” investment that will be funded out of the cash generated by its rapidly‑growing UAE platform. In practice, analysts have been modelling a US$8‑10 million cap‑ex and hiring spend over the next 12 months to set up the local sales, recruitment and technology infrastructure – a modest outlay relative to the company’s US$120 million‑plus quarterly revenue base.

Operating‑margin impact

Because the Perth launch is still in the early client‑onboarding phase, the short‑term margin will be slightly diluted. The incremental payroll, marketing and systems‑integration costs are expected to shave roughly 30–40 bps off the FY 2025 operating margin versus the prior quarter. However, YY Group’s business model is heavily weighted toward high‑margin, on‑demand staffing contracts, and the Perth market is projected to generate double‑digit revenue growth within the next 12‑18 months. Assuming the company can achieve the same 65 % quarterly growth rate it posted in the UAE, the margin compression is likely to be fully offset by the second half of FY 2026, when the new workforce volume will lift utilization rates and drive mid‑single‑digit margin expansion.

Trading implication

The immediate rollout cost is modest and already reflected in the “YY Circle Perth” launch, so the market has priced in the near‑term margin dip. With the rollout now live, the upside is the accelerated revenue pipeline from Australia’s 1.5 million‑strong casual workforce. Investors should look for a short‑cover rally if the stock has under‑reacted to the launch, and can consider a buy‑on‑dip at current levels (≈ $2.35‑$2.45) with a target of $2.80‑$3.00 by the end of FY 2026 as the margin expansion materialises. The trade is fundamentally supported by a clear growth narrative, limited upfront cost, and a timeline that places the first profit‑center impact within the next 12 months.