Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) reported that net earnings per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2005 increased 38% to $1.01 from 73 cents in the prior year period. Net earnings in the quarter increased to $89.1 million from $69.6 million a year earlier. Revenues for the fourth quarter totaled $4.1 billion, an increase of one percent from the year-earlier period.

Results for the fourth quarter were negatively affected by relatively weaker foreign currencies compared to the prior year period. On a constant currency basis, net earnings per diluted share for the quarter were $1.07 on an 8 percent improvement in revenues. The fourth quarter was positively impacted by a lower income tax rate as a result of tax planning that was completed during the quarter.

Jeffrey A. Joerres, Manpower Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The Manpower team across the world delivered another solid quarter to cap off a solid year. We had outstanding performances in several geographies, including the U.S., the Nordics, Italy, Australia and Elan, our European IT staffing company."

Net earnings per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $2.87, an increase of 11% from $2.59 per diluted share in 2004. Net earnings were $260.1 million compared to $245.7 million in the prior year. Revenues for the year were $16.1 billion, an increase of 8 percent from the prior year. On a constant currency basis, net earnings per diluted share for the year were $2.89 on an 8 percent improvement in revenues.

Joerres stated, "We continue to make substantial progress on the strategic front with the expansion of our specialty businesses and the depth of Manpower offerings that are helping our clients win in their respective markets.

"The momentum that has been established in 2005 positions us well to take advantage of the positive market trends we are currently experiencing.

"We are anticipating the first quarter of 2006 diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of 36 to 39 cents. This includes an estimated negative currency impact of 3 cents and the impact of expensing stock options of 3 cents per diluted share."

Included in the 2004 results were first quarter non-operating gains of $14.2 million ($10.2 million net of income taxes), or 11 cents per diluted share and a third quarter favorable adjustment to the income tax provision of $8.0 million or 8 cents per diluted share.

In conjunction with its fourth quarter earnings release, Manpower will broadcast its conference call live over the Internet on January 27, 2006 at 7:30 a.m. CST (8:30 a.m. EST). Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast and view the presentation by logging on to http://investor.manpower.com