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Interpublic Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2018 Results

February 13, 2019 7:00 AM

New York, Feb. 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Summary

Revenue

Operating Results

Net Results

Outlook

"Overall, 2018 was a very successful year, with outstanding financial results, coupled with a significant, future-facing acquisition. Our results again demonstrate the strength of our client-centric integrated offerings, and the quality of our people. We’re proud that our culture continues to attract diverse talent with a breadth of digital expertise, which has helped us to deliver leading organic growth and margin improvement in recent years. This is what’s required in light of the significant changes taking place in our industry and the environment in which we operate,” commented Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO of IPG.

“As we turn to our outlook for 2019, we do so with a strong portfolio of agencies, across the full range of capabilities and marketing disciplines, competing successfully in the marketplace. This allows us to achieve revenue growth and convert it to operating profit at rates that have been leading the industry. Our 2019 targets are for fully competitive organic growth and solid underlying margin expansion. We also remain committed to our robust capital return program, as is evident in the action of our Board announced today to further increase our dividend. We are confident that this combination of operating performance and capital returns will allow us to build on our strong track record of enhancing shareholder value," Mr. Roth concluded.

Operating Results

RevenueDuring the fourth quarter of 2018, net revenue of $2.41 billion increased 13.3% compared to the same period in 2017. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the effect of foreign currency translation was negative 1.6%, the impact of net acquisitions was positive 7.8%, and the resulting organic revenue increase was 7.1%. Total Revenue of $2.86 billion in the fourth quarter of 2018 increased 10.3% compared to 2017.

For the full year 2018, net revenue of $8.03 billion increased 7.5% compared to the same period in 2017. During the full year 2018, the effect of foreign currency translation was positive 0.2%, the impact of net acquisition was positive 1.8%, and the resulting organic revenue increase was 5.5%. Total revenue of $9.71 billion increased 7.4% during the full year 2018 compared to 2017.

For both the fourth quarter and full year 2018, total revenue includes $181.7 million related to Acxiom which was acquired on October 1, however its impact will not be included in the calculation of organic revenue growth until the fourth quarter of 2019.

Operating ExpensesFor the fourth quarter and full year 2018, operating expenses increased compared to the same periods in 2017 primarily due to the inclusion of Acxiom beginning with the fourth quarter of 2018.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, salaries and related expenses were $1.42 billion, an increase of 10.3% compared to the same period in 2017. For the full year 2018, salaries and related expenses were $5.30 billion, an increase of 6.2% compared to 2017.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, office and other direct expenses were $381.0 million, an increase of 13.8% compared to the same period in 2017. For the full year 2018, office and other direct expenses were $1.36 billion, an increase of 6.8% compared to 2017.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses were $81.0 million, and were $58.4 million excluding Acxiom transaction costs, an increase of 18.2% compared to the same period in 2017. For the full year 2018, selling, general and administrative expenses were $166.5 million, and were $131.5 million excluding Acxiom transaction costs, an increase of 11.0% compared to 2017. For both the fourth quarter and full year 2018, the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily due to costs associated with closing the Acxiom transaction as well as an increase in incentive expense.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, depreciation and amortization was $68.9 million, an increase of 111.3% compared to the same period in 2017. Amortization expense was $22.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to $5.3 million in the same period in 2017.For the full year 2018, depreciation and amortization was $202.9 million, an increase of 29.2% compared to 2017. Amortization expense was $37.6 million for the full year 2018 compared to $21.1 in the same period in 2017.

Non-Operating Results and TaxIn the fourth quarter of 2018, net interest expense was $41.6 million, an increase of $23.8 million compared to the same period in 2017 primarily due to debt issued to fund the company's acquisition of Acxiom. For the full year 2018, net interest expense was $101.2 million, an increase of $29.8 million compared to 2017 primarily due to debt issued to fund the company's acquisition of Acxiom.

Other expense, net was $13.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, and was $69.6 million for the full year 2018, primarily due to losses recorded on sales of businesses.

The income tax provision in the fourth quarter of 2018 was $62.2 million on income before income taxes of $403.9 million, compared to a provision of $135.1 million on income before income taxes of $403.5 million in the same period in 2017. The income tax provision for the full year 2018 was $199.2 million on income before income taxes of $838.0 million, compared to a provision of $271.3 million on income before income taxes of $840.8 million in 2017.

The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 15.4% compared to 33.5% for the same period in 2017. Excluding the impact of the losses on the sales of businesses, transaction costs directly related to the acquisition of Acxiom, amortization of acquired intangibles, and the positive impact of various discrete tax items, the effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 21.0% compared to 35.4% in 2017 as similarly adjusted. The effective tax rate for the full year 2018 was 23.8% compared to 32.3% for the same period in 2017. Excluding the impact of the same items mentioned above, the effective tax rate for the full year 2018 was 24.5% compared to 35.6% in 2017 as similarly adjusted.

Balance SheetAt December 31, 2018, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $673.5 million, compared to $791.0 million at December 31, 2017. Total debt was $3.73 billion at December 31, 2018, compared to $1.37 billion at December 31, 2017. On September 21, 2018, we issued a total of $2,000.0 million in aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes and in October 1, 2018, we borrowed an additional $500.0 million under a term loan for purposes of financing the Acxiom acquisition.

Share Repurchase Program and Common Stock DividendFor the full year 2018, the company repurchased 5.1 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $117.1 million and an average price of $23.03 per share. The share repurchase program was suspended as of July 2, 2018 in order to reduce the increased debt levels incurred in conjunction with the Acxiom acquisition.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, the company declared and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.21 per share, for a total of $80.5 million. During 2018, the company paid four quarterly cash dividends of $0.21 per share on our common stock, which corresponded to aggregate dividend payments of $322.1 million for the full year.

The company also announced that its Board of Directors has declared a common stock cash dividend of $0.235 per share, payable quarterly to holders of record on an ongoing basis.

For further information regarding the company's financial results as well as certain non-GAAP measures and the reconciliation thereof, please refer to pages 17 to 23 of the earnings materials filed on Form 8-K herewith and available on our website, www.interpublic.com.

1 Adjusted EBITA is earnings before net interest, net other expense, provision for income taxes, and amortization of acquired intangibles, and adjusted to exclude transaction costs for the acquisition of Acxiom. See reconciliation tables in back for further detail.

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About InterpublicInterpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, Jack Morton, MAGNA, McCann, Momentum, MRM//McCann, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Other leading brands include Avrett Free Ginsberg, Campbell Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, ID Media and The Martin Agency. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

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Contact InformationTom Cunningham(Press)(212) 704-1326

Jerry Leshne(Analysts, Investors)(212) 704-1439

Cautionary Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, including statements about management's beliefs and expectations, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

Investors should carefully consider these factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our other SEC filings.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS FOURTH QUARTER REPORT 2018 AND 2017 (Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31,
2018 2017 Fav. (Unfav.)% Variance
Revenue:
Net Revenue$2,413.7 $2,131.1 13.3%
Billable Expenses442.3 458.7 (3.6)%
Total Revenue2,856.0 2,589.8 10.3%
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses1,423.7 1,291.3 (10.3)%
Office and Other Direct Expenses381.0 334.8 (13.8)%
Billable Expenses442.3 458.7 3.6%
Cost of Services2,247.0 2,084.8 (7.8)%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses81.0 49.4 (64.0)%
Depreciation and Amortization68.9 32.6 (111.3)%
Total Operating Expenses2,396.9 2,166.8 (10.6)%
Operating Income459.1 423.0 8.5%
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %19.0% 19.8%
Operating Margin on Total Revenue %16.1% 16.3%
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense(49.4) (23.2)
Interest Income7.8 5.4
Other Expense, Net(13.6) (1.7)
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(55.2) (19.5)
Income Before Income Taxes403.9 403.5
Provision for Income Taxes62.2 135.1
Income of Consolidated Companies341.7 268.4
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.8 0.8
Net Income342.5 269.2
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(16.3) (16.9)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$326.2 $252.3
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$0.85 $0.66
Diluted$0.84 $0.64
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic383.4 385.1
Diluted390.3 393.2
Dividends Declared Per Common Share$0.21 $0.18

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS ANNUAL REPORT 2018 AND 2017 (Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2018 2017 Fav. (Unfav.)% Variance
Revenue:
Net Revenue$8,031.6 $7,473.5 7.5%
Billable Expenses1,682.8 1,574.1 6.9%
Total Revenue9,714.4 9,047.6 7.4%
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses5,298.3 4,990.7 (6.2)%
Office and Other Direct Expenses1,355.1 1,268.8 (6.8)%
Billable Expenses1,682.8 1,574.1 (6.9)%
Cost of Services8,336.2 7,833.6 (6.4)%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses166.5 118.5 (40.5)%
Depreciation and Amortization202.9 157.1 (29.2)%
Total Operating Expenses8,705.6 8,109.2 (7.4)%
Operating Income1,008.8 938.4 7.5%
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %12.6% 12.6%
Operating Margin on Total Revenue %10.4% 10.4%
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense(123.0) (90.8)
Interest Income21.8 19.4
Other Expense, Net(69.6) (26.2)
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(170.8) (97.6)
Income Before Income Taxes838.0 840.8
Provision for Income Taxes199.2 271.3
Income of Consolidated Companies638.8 569.5
Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates(1.1) 0.9
Net Income637.7 570.4
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(18.8) (16.0)
Net Income Attributable to IPG Common Stockholders$618.9 $554.4
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$1.61 $1.42
Diluted$1.59 $1.40
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic383.3 389.6
Diluted389.0 397.3
Dividends Declared Per Common Share$0.84 $0.72

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS (Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018
As Reported Acxiom Transaction Costs Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses 1 Net Impact of Various Discrete Tax Items 2 Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$2,413.7 $2,413.7
Billable Expenses442.3 442.3
Total Revenue2,856.0 2,856.0
Cost of Services2,247.0 2,247.0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses81.0 $22.6 58.4
Depreciation and Amortization68.9 $22.0 46.9
Total Operating Expense2,396.9 22.6 22.0 2,352.3
Operating Income459.1 (22.6) (22.0) 503.7
Interest Expense, Net(41.6) (41.6)
Other Expense, Net(13.6) $(11.9) (1.7)
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(55.2) (11.9) (43.3)
Income Before Income Taxes403.9 (22.6) (22.0) (11.9) 460.4
Provision for Income Taxes62.2 5.6 4.2 1.1 $23.4 96.5
Effective Tax Rate15.4% 21.0%
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.8 0.8
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(16.3) (16.3)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$326.2 $(17.0) $(17.8) $(10.8) $23.4 $348.4
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic383.4 383.4
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares6.9 6.9
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted390.3 390.3
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$0.85 $(0.04) $(0.05) $(0.03) $0.06 $0.91
Diluted$0.84 $(0.04) $(0.05) $(0.03) $0.06 $0.89
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Includes a tax benefit of $16.9 from net adjustments to the valuation allowance and a benefit of $6.5 related to the estimated costs associated with our change in assertion (APB 23) that we will no longer permanently reinvest undistributed earnings attributable to certain foreign subsidiaries.
Note: Management believes the resulting comparisons provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
As Reported Acxiom Transaction Costs Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses 1 Net Impact of Various Discrete Tax Items 2 Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$8,031.6 $8,031.6
Billable Expenses1,682.8 1,682.8
Total Revenue9,714.4 9,714.4
Cost of Services8,336.2 8,336.2
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses166.5 $35.0 131.5
Depreciation and Amortization202.9 $37.6 165.3
Total Operating Expense8,705.6 35.0 37.6 8,633.0
Operating Income1,008.8 (35.0) (37.6) 1,081.4
Interest Expense, Net(101.2) (3.3) (97.9)
Other Expense, Net(69.6) (10.3) $(61.9) 2.6
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(170.8) (13.6) (61.9) (95.3)
Income Before Income Taxes838.0 (48.6) (37.6) (61.9) 986.1
Provision for Income Taxes199.2 12.1 4.8 2.2 $23.4 241.7
Effective tax rate23.8% 24.5%
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates(1.1) (1.1)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(18.8) (18.8)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$618.9 $(36.5) $(32.8) $(59.7) $23.4 $724.5
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic383.3 383.3
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares5.7 5.7
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted389.0 389.0
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$1.61 $(0.10) $(0.09) $(0.16) $0.06 $1.89
Diluted$1.59 $(0.09) $(0.08) $(0.15) $0.06 $1.86
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Includes a tax benefit of $16.9 from net adjustments to the valuation allowance and a benefit of $6.5 in the fourth quarter related to the estimated costs associated with our change in assertion (APB 23) that we will no longer permanently reinvest undistributed earnings attributable to certain foreign subsidiaries.
Note: Management believes the resulting comparisons provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS - ADJUSTED EBITA (Amounts in Millions) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Net Revenue$2,413.7 $2,131.1 $8,031.6 $7,473.5
EBITA Reconciliation:
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$326.2 $252.3 $618.9 $554.4
Add Back:
Provision for Income Taxes62.2 135.1 199.2 271.3
Subtract:
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(55.2) (19.5) (170.8) (97.6)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.8 0.8 (1.1) 0.9
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(16.3) (16.9) (18.8) (16.0)
Operating Income459.1 423.0 1,008.8 938.4
Add Back:
Amortization of Acquired Intangibles22.0 5.3 37.6 21.1
EBITA481.1 428.3 1,046.4 959.5
Acxiom Transaction Costs22.6 35.0
Adjusted EBITA$503.7 $428.3 $1,081.4 $959.5
Adjusted EBITA Margin on Net Revenue %20.9% 20.1% 13.5% 12.8%
Note: Management believes the resulting comparisons provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses 1 U.S. Federal Tax Credits Net Impact of U.S. Tax Reform Adjusted Results
Operating Income $423.0 $(5.3) $428.3
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(19.5) $(3.2) (16.3)
Income Before Income Taxes403.5 (5.3) (3.2) 412.0
Provision for Income Taxes135.1 0.3 5.7 $(31.2) $36.0 145.9
Effective Tax Rate33.5% 35.4%
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.8 0.8
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(16.9) (16.9)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$252.3 $(5.0) $2.5 $(31.2) $36.0 $250.0
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic385.1 385.1
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares8.1 8.1
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted393.2 393.2
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$0.66 $(0.01) $0.01 $(0.08) $0.09 $0.65
Diluted$0.64 $(0.01) $0.01 $(0.08) $0.09 $0.64
1 Includes losses on completed dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
Note: Management believes the resulting comparisons provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses 1 Net Impact of U.S. Tax Reform Adjusted Results
Operating Income $938.4 $(21.1) $959.5
Total (Expense) and Other Income(97.6) $(24.1) (73.5)
Income Before Income Taxes840.8 (21.1) (24.1) 886.0
Provision for Income Taxes271.3 1.0 7.4 $36.0 315.7
Effective Tax Rate32.3% 35.6%
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.9 0.9
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(16.0) (16.0)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$554.4 $(20.1) $(16.7) $36.0 $555.2
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic389.6 389.6
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares7.7 7.7
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted397.3 397.3
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$1.42 $(0.05) $(0.04) $0.09 $1.43
Diluted$1.40 $(0.05) $(0.04) $0.09 $1.40
1 Includes losses on completed dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
Note: Management believes the resulting comparisons provide useful supplemental data that, while not a substitute for GAAP measures, allow for greater transparency in the review of our financial and operational performance.

Source: Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The)

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