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Interpublic Announces Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2019 Results

October 22, 2019 7:00 AM

New York, Oct. 22, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Summary

Revenue

Operating Results

Net Results

“We are pleased to post another quarter of solid financial performance. Our growth was led by our media, healthcare marketing, public relations and sports & entertainment offerings. We saw contributions from a broad range of client sectors, including healthcare, financial services, retail, tech and telecom, and consumer goods. Regionally, international markets led our growth, while in the U.S. we are working our way through the impact of certain account-specific headwinds. Our overall performance continues to reflect our strong offerings and differentiated strategy, as well as the power of the ideas created by our talented people. Acxiom continues to perform consistent with our plan and we are seeing the benefit of our leadership position in data management capabilities,” said Michael I. Roth, Interpublic’s Chairman and CEO.

“As we enter our important fourth quarter, we are confident that our performance to date, and the current tone of business, have us on track to deliver growth at the high end of the 2019 target of 2%-to-3% organic net revenue growth. In addition, we continue to be comfortable with our target for adjusted EBITA margin expansion of 40-50 basis points over last year’s 13.5%. We view our current performance, strong financial position, and long-term strategy as the basis for further significant shareholder value creation.”

Operating Results

RevenueNet revenue of $2.06 billion in the third quarter of 2019 increased 8.7% compared with the same period in 2018. During the quarter, the effect of foreign currency translation was negative 1.3%, the impact of net acquisitions was positive 8.6%, and the resulting organic net revenue increase (which excludes results from Acxiom) was 1.4%. Total revenue, which includes billable expenses, of $2.44 billion in the third quarter of 2019 increased 6.1% compared with the same period in 2018.

Net revenue of $6.19 billion in the first nine months of 2019 increased 10.2% compared with the same period in 2018. During the first nine months of 2019, the effect of foreign currency translation was negative 2.1%, the impact of net acquisitions was positive 8.8%, and the resulting organic net revenue increase (which excludes results from Acxiom) was 3.5%. Total revenue, which includes billable expenses, of $7.32 billion in the first nine months of 2019 increased 6.7% compared with the same period in 2018.

Operating ExpensesFor the third quarter and first nine months of 2019, operating expenses increased compared to the same periods in 2018 primarily due to the inclusion of Acxiom.

During the third quarter of 2019, salaries and related expenses were $1.33 billion, an increase of 6.6% compared to the same period in 2018. During the first nine months of 2019, salaries and related expenses were $4.14 billion, an increase of 6.8% compared to the same period in 2018.

Staff cost ratio, which is total salaries and related expenses as a percentage of net revenue, was 64.7% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to 66.0% in the same period in 2018, and was 66.8% in the first nine months of 2019 compared to 69.0% in the same period in 2018. Base salaries, benefits and tax, temporary help expenses and incentive expense all increased at rates less than net revenue growth. The improved ratio was primarily due to the inclusion of Acxiom, which has a lower ratio of salaries and related expenses as a percentage of its net revenue.

During the third quarter of 2019, office and other direct expenses were $367.9 million, an increase of 16.1% compared to the same period in 2018. During the first nine months of 2019, office and other direct expenses were $1.14 billion, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2018.

Office and other direct expenses were 17.8% of net revenue in the third quarter of 2019 compared to 16.7% a year ago, and were 18.5% in the first nine months of 2019 compared to 17.3% in the same period in 2018. The higher expense ratios are primarily due to the inclusion of Acxiom which has a higher ratio of office and other direct expenses as a percentage of its net revenue, mainly driven by client service costs.

During the third quarter of 2019, selling, general and administrative expenses of $9.8 million decreased 54.6% compared with the same period in 2018 and during the first nine months of 2019, selling, general and administrative expenses of $69.3 million decreased 18.9% compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower professional fees, mainly driven by transaction costs related to the acquisition of Acxiom in 2018.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were 0.5% of net revenue in the third quarter of 2019 compared to 1.1% a year ago, and were 1.1% in the first nine months of 2019 compared to 1.5% in the same period in 2018.

Depreciation and amortization increased 56.8% to $69.0 million during the third quarter of 2019 compared to a year ago, and increased 59.0% to $213.1 million in the first nine months of 2019 compared to a year ago, primarily due to the inclusion of Acxiom.

Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net revenue was 3.3% in the third quarter of 2019 compared to 2.3% the same period in 2018, and was 3.4% in the first nine months of 2019 compared to 2.4% in the same period in 2018.

During the first nine months of 2019, restructuring charges were $33.9 million due to the implementation of a cost initiative to better align our cost structure with our revenue, primarily related to client losses occurring in 2018.

Non-Operating Results and TaxNet interest expense increased by $17.9 million to $40.2 million in the third quarter of 2019 from a year ago, and increased by $66.5 million to $126.1 million in the first nine months of 2019 from a year ago, primarily attributable to the issuance of long-term debt in 2018 in order to finance the Acxiom acquisition.

The income tax provision in the third quarter of 2019 was $64.6 million on income before income taxes of $232.7 million, compared to a provision of $60.7 million on income before income taxes of $224.1 million in the same period in 2018.

The income tax provision in the first nine months of 2019 was $118.7 million on income before income taxes of $450.5 million, compared to a provision of $137.0 million on income before income taxes of $434.1 million in the same period in 2018.

Balance SheetAt September 30, 2019, cash and cash equivalents totaled $520.5 million, compared to $673.4 million at December 31, 2018 and $1,860.2 million at September 30, 2018. Total debt was $3.62 billion at September 30, 2019, compared to $3.73 billion at December 31, 2018.

Common Stock DividendDuring the third quarter of 2019, the company declared and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.235 per share, for a total of $90.8 million.

For more information concerning the company's financial results, please refer to the accompanying slide presentation 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 further adjusted to exclude restructuring charges from the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 transaction costs related to the acquisition of Acxiom. See reconciliation tables in back for further detail.

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About InterpublicInterpublic is values-based, data-fueled, and creatively-driven. 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 THIRD QUARTER REPORT 2019 AND 2018 (Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 Fav. (Unfav.)% Variance
Revenue:
Net Revenue$2,061.4 $1,895.7 8.7%
Billable Expenses376.7 401.8 (6.2)%
Total Revenue2,438.1 2,297.5 6.1%
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses1,334.4 1,251.4 (6.6)%
Office and Other Direct Expenses367.9 317.0 (16.1)%
Billable Expenses376.7 401.8 6.2%
Cost of Services2,079.0 1,970.2 (5.5)%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses9.8 21.6 54.6%
Depreciation and Amortization69.0 44.0 (56.8)%
Total Operating Expenses2,157.8 2,035.8 (6.0)%
Operating Income280.3 261.7 7.1%
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense(49.7) (27.6)
Interest Income9.5 5.3
Other Expense, Net(7.4) (15.3)
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(47.6) (37.6)
Income Before Income Taxes232.7 224.1
Provision for Income Taxes 64.6 60.7
Income of Consolidated Companies168.1 163.4
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.3 0.1
Net Income168.4 163.5
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(2.8) (2.5)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$165.6 $161.0
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$0.43 $0.42
Diluted$0.42 $0.41
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic386.7 382.6
Diluted391.8 388.4
Dividends Declared Per Common Share$0.235 $0.210

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS THIRD QUARTER REPORT 2019 AND 2018 (Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Nine months ended September 30,
2019 2018 Fav. (Unfav.)% Variance
Revenue:
Net Revenue$6,192.1 $5,617.9 10.2%
Billable Expenses1,127.4 1,240.5 (9.1)%
Total Revenue7,319.5 6,858.4 6.7%
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses4,136.7 3,874.6 (6.8)%
Office and Other Direct Expenses1,144.4 974.1 (17.5)%
Billable Expenses1,127.4 1,240.5 9.1%
Cost of Services6,408.5 6,089.2 (5.2)%
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses69.3 85.5 18.9%
Depreciation and Amortization213.1 134.0 (59.0)%
Restructuring Charges33.9 0.0 N/A
Total Operating Expenses6,724.8 6,308.7 (6.6)%
Operating Income594.7 549.7 8.2%
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense(151.1) (73.6)
Interest Income25.0 14.0
Other Expense, Net(18.1) (56.0)
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(144.2) (115.6)
Income Before Income Taxes450.5 434.1
Provision for Income Taxes 118.7 137.0
Income of Consolidated Companies331.8 297.1
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates(0.1) (1.9)
Net Income331.7 295.2
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(4.6) (2.5)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$327.1 $292.7
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic$0.85 $0.76
Diluted$0.84 $0.75
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic385.8 383.2
Diluted390.3 388.4
Dividends Declared Per Common Share$0.705 $0.630

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESRECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED RESULTS(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data) (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$2,061.4 $2,061.4
Billable Expenses376.7 376.7
Total Revenue2,438.1 2,438.1
Cost of Services2,079.0 2,079.0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses9.8 9.8
Depreciation and Amortization69.0 $21.7 47.3
Total Operating Expense2,157.8 21.7 2,136.1
Operating Income280.3 (21.7) 302.0
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %13.6% 14.7%
Interest Expense, Net(40.2) (40.2)
Other Expense, Net(7.4) $(7.7) 0.3
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(47.6) (7.7) (39.9)
Income Before Income Taxes232.7 (21.7) (7.7) 262.1
Provision for Income Taxes64.6 4.2 68.8
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.3 0.3
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(2.8) (2.8)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$165.6 $(17.5) $(7.7) $190.8
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic386.7 386.7
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares5.1 5.1
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted391.8 391.8
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders2:
Basic$0.43 $(0.05) $(0.02) $0.49
Diluted$0.42 $(0.04) $(0.02) $0.49
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Earnings per share may not add due to rounding.
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)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Q1 2019 Restructuring Charges Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Settlement of Certain Tax Positions Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$6,192.1 $6,192.1
Billable Expenses1,127.4 1,127.4
Total Revenue7,319.5 7,319.5
Cost of Services6,408.5 6,408.5
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses69.3 69.3
Depreciation and Amortization213.1 $64.6 148.5
Restructuring Charges33.9 $31.8 2.1
Total Operating Expense6,724.8 64.6 31.8 6,628.4
Operating Income594.7 (64.6) (31.8) 691.1
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %9.6% 11.2%
Interest Expense, Net(126.1) (126.1)
Other Expense, Net(18.1) $(22.3) 4.2
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(144.2) (22.3) (121.9)
Income Before Income Taxes450.5 (64.6) (31.8) (22.3) 569.2
Provision for Income Taxes118.7 12.6 7.6 $13.9 152.8
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates(0.1) (0.1)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(4.6) (4.6)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$327.1 $(52.0) $(24.2) $(22.3) $13.9 $411.7
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic385.8 385.8
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares4.5 4.5
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted390.3 390.3
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders2:
Basic$0.85 $(0.13) $(0.06) $(0.06) $0.04 $1.07
Diluted$0.84 $(0.13) $(0.06) $(0.06) $0.04 $1.05
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Earnings per share may not add due to rounding.
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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Net Revenue$2,061.4 $1,895.7 $6,192.1 $5,617.9
EBITA Reconciliation:
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$165.6 $161.0 $327.1 $292.7
Add Back:
Provision for Income Taxes64.6 60.7 118.7 137.0
Subtract:
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(47.6) (37.6) (144.2) (115.6)
Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.3 0.1 (0.1) (1.9)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(2.8) (2.5) (4.6) (2.5)
Operating Income280.3 261.7 594.7 549.7
Add Back:
Amortization of Acquired Intangibles21.7 5.1 64.6 15.6
EBITA$302.0 $266.8 $659.3 $565.3
EBITA Margin on Net Revenue %14.7% 14.1% 10.6% 10.1%
Q1 2019 Restructuring Charges 31.8
Acxiom Transaction Costs 11.0 12.4
Adjusted EBITA$302.0 $277.8 $691.1 $577.7
Adjusted EBITA Margin on Net Revenue %14.7% 14.7% 11.2% 10.3%
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 September 30, 2018
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Acxiom Transaction Costs Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$1,895.7 $1,895.7
Billable Expenses401.8 401.8
Total Revenue2,297.5 2,297.5
Cost of Services1,970.2 1,970.2
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses21.6 $11.0 10.6
Depreciation and Amortization44.0 $5.1 38.9
Total Operating Expense2,035.8 5.1 11.0 2,019.7
Operating Income261.7 (5.1) (11.0) 277.8
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %13.8% 14.7%
Interest Expense, Net(22.3) (3.3) (19.0)
Other Expense, Net(15.3) $(5.8) (10.3) 0.8
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(37.6) (5.8) (13.6) (18.2)
Income Before Income Taxes224.1 (5.1) (5.8) (24.6) 259.6
Provision for Income Taxes60.7 0.2 0.7 6.2 67.8
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates0.1 0.1
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(2.5) (2.5)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$161.0 $(4.9) $(5.1) $(18.4) $189.4
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic382.6 382.6
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares5.8 5.8
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted388.4 388.4
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders2:
Basic$0.42 $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.05) $0.49
Diluted$0.41 $(0.01) $(0.01) $(0.05) $0.49
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Earnings per share may not add due to rounding.
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)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Acxiom Transaction Costs Adjusted Results
Net Revenue$5,617.9 $5,617.9
Billable Expenses1,240.5 1,240.5
Total Revenue6,858.4 6,858.4
Cost of Services6,089.2 6,089.2
Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses85.5 $12.4 73.1
Depreciation and Amortization134.0 $15.6 118.4
Total Operating Expense6,308.7 15.6 12.4 6,280.7
Operating Income549.7 (15.6) (12.4) 577.7
Operating Margin on Net Revenue %9.8% 10.3%
Interest Expense, Net(59.6) (3.3) (56.3)
Other (Expense) Income, Net(56.0) $(50.0) (10.3) 4.3
Total (Expenses) and Other Income(115.6) (50.0) (13.6) (52.0)
Income Before Income Taxes434.1 (15.6) (50.0) (26.0) 525.7
Provision for Income Taxes137.0 0.6 1.1 6.5 145.2
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates(1.9) (1.9)
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests(2.5) (2.5)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders$292.7 $(15.0) $(48.9) $(19.5) $376.1
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic383.2 383.2
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares5.2 5.2
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted388.4 388.4
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders2:
Basic$0.76 $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.05) $0.98
Diluted$0.75 $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.05) $0.97
1 Includes losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Earnings per share may not add due to rounding.
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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