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Interpublic Announces Third Quarter and First Nine Months 2023 Results

October 20, 2023 7:00 AM

New York, NY, Oct. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG:

“During the third quarter, revenue performance did not measure up to expectations, yet we continued to demonstrate disciplined management of the business and to see positive contributions to growth from our media offerings, the health care sector, sports and experiential marketing, and public relations.

“Factors that we have identified since the early part of the year continued to weigh on our growth in the quarter. These include the decreases in client activity in the tech and telecom client sector that have been evident across our industry, and the performance of certain of our digital specialists. Another factor impacting results is increased concern among marketers related to macroeconomic conditions, which led to the delay of projects and sales cycles, as well as slower-than-anticipated onboarding of some new business.

“Given the evolving business climate and our portfolio of clients and capabilities, as we look at the remainder of the year, we believe organic growth in the fourth quarter will be approximately 1%. Concurrently, we remain fully on track to deliver our margin goal for the year of 16.7%, which is unchanged, and represents margin expansion relative to 2022.

“We are focused on closing the year as strongly as possible and, specific to areas of underperformance, will simultaneously assess internal structural solutions in order to improve our growth profile. We continue to be in-market with compelling offerings that help marketers grow and deliver business outcomes. This has translated to strong new business success for us year-to-date, and which will provide some tailwinds as we move into 2024. An additional area of value creation is our long-standing commitment to capital returns, which remains an important priority for us going forward.”

Summary

Revenue

Operating Results

Net Results

Operating Results

Revenue
Revenue before billable expenses of $2.31 billion in the third quarter of 2023 increased 0.6% compared with the same period in 2022. Compared to the third quarter of 2022, the effect of foreign currency translation was positive 0.7%, the impact of net acquisitions was positive 0.3%, and the resulting organic decrease of net revenue was 0.4%.

Revenue before billable expenses of $6.81 billion in the first nine months of 2023 decreased 1.2% compared with the same period in 2022. Compared to the first nine months of 2022, the effect of foreign currency translation was negative 0.8%, the impact of net acquisitions was positive 0.4%, and the resulting organic decrease of net revenue was 0.8%.

Operating Expenses
In the third quarter of 2023, total operating expenses, excluding billable expenses, decreased 1.1%. In the first nine months of 2023, total operating expenses, excluding billable expenses, decreased 0.4%.

In the third quarter of 2023, staff cost ratio, which is total salaries and related expenses as a percentage of revenue before billable expenses, decreased to 66.3% compared to 67.4% for the same period in 2022. Total salaries and related expenses in the third quarter of 2023 were $1.53 billion, a decrease of 1.0% from a year ago. The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in performance-based employee compensation expense and temporary help expense, partially offset by an increase in base salaries, benefits and tax. In the first nine months of 2023, staff cost ratio increased to 69.1% compared to 68.1% for the same period in 2022. Total salaries and related expenses in the first nine months of 2023 were $4.71 billion, an increase of 0.1% from a year ago. The increase was primarily due to an increase in base salaries, benefits and tax as well as severance expense, offset by decreases in performance-based employee compensation expense and temporary help expense.

In the third quarter of 2023, office and other direct expenses as a percentage of revenue before billable expenses decreased to 13.8% compared to 14.3% for the same period in 2022. Office and other direct expenses were $318.8 million in the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of 2.8% from a year ago, primarily driven by decreases in employment costs, client service costs and occupancy expense, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense. In the first nine months of 2023, office and other direct expenses as a percentage of revenue before billable expenses remained consistent at 14.5% compared to the same period in 2022. Office and other direct expenses were $989.6 million in the first nine months of 2023, a decrease of 1.1% from a year ago, primarily driven by factors similar to those noted for the third quarter of 2023.

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $16.9 million in the third quarter of 2023, a decrease of 8.6% from a year ago, primarily due to decreases in performance-based incentive compensation expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $43.7 million in the first nine months of 2023, a decrease of 23.6% from a year ago, primarily due to factors similar to those noted for the third quarter of 2023.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by 1.5% during the third quarter of 2023 and decreased by 1.4% during the first nine months of 2023.

Non-Operating Results and Tax
Net interest expense decreased by $4.3 million to $23.6 million in the third quarter of 2023 from a year ago, primarily attributable to higher interest rates on net deposits, partially offset by lower net cash balances. Net interest expense decreased by $20.4 million to $66.9 million in the first nine months of 2023 from a year ago, primarily due to factors similar to those noted for the third quarter of 2023.

Other expense, net was $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2023, and was $24.8 million in the first nine months of 2023, which primarily related to losses on sales of businesses and the classification of certain assets and liabilities as held for sale.

The income tax provision in the third quarter of 2023 was $91.5 million on income before income taxes of $339.5 million. This compares to an income tax provision of $76.4 million for the third quarter of 2022 on income before income taxes of $331.4 million. The income tax provision in the first nine months of 2023 was $135.9 million on income before income taxes of $784.1 million. This compares to an income tax provision of $209.2 million for the first nine months of 2022 on income before income taxes of $856.1 million. The income tax provision in the first nine months of 2023 includes a benefit of $64.2 million related to the settlement of U.S. Federal Income Tax Audits for the years 2017-2018, which is primarily non cash.

Balance Sheet
At September 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.57 billion, compared to $2.55 billion at December 31, 2022 and $1.77 billion on September 30, 2022. Total debt was $3.20 billion at September 30, 2023, compared to $2.92 billion at December 31, 2022.

Share Repurchase Program
During the first nine months of 2023, the Company repurchased 6.1 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $219.0 million and an average price of $35.66 per share, including fees.

Common Stock Dividend
During the third quarter of 2023, the Company declared and paid a common stock cash dividend of $0.310 per share, for a total of $118.6 million.

For further information regarding the Company's financial results as well as certain non-GAAP measures including organic revenue before billable expenses change, adjusted EBITA, adjusted EBITA before restructuring charges and adjusted earnings per diluted share, and the reconciliations thereof, please refer to the appendix within this press release and our Investor Presentation filed on Form 8-K herewith and available on our website, www.interpublic.com.

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About Interpublic

Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) (www.interpublic.com) is a values-based, data-fueled, and creatively-driven provider of marketing solutions. Home to some of the world’s best-known and most innovative communications specialists, IPG global brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB, FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, IPG Health, IPG Mediabrands, Jack Morton, KINESSO, MAGNA, McCann, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Global, Octagon, R/GA, UM, Weber Shandwick and more. IPG is an S&P 500 company with total revenue of $10.93 billion in 2022.

# # #

Contact Information

Tom Cunningham
(Press)
(212) 704-1326

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


Cautionary Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this report that are not historical facts, including statements regarding guidance, goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, or future results of operations or financial position, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, 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 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q 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 the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, including those outlined in more detail under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any of them in light of new information, future events, or otherwise.


APPENDIX


THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS
THIRD QUARTER REPORT 2023 AND 2022
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended September 30,
2023 2022 Fav. (Unfav.)
% Variance
Revenue:
Revenue before Billable Expenses $2,309.0 $2,296.2 0.6 %
Billable Expenses 369.5 341.5 8.2 %
Total Revenue 2,678.5 2,637.7 1.5 %
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses 1,531.1 1,546.8 1.0 %
Office and Other Direct Expenses 318.8 327.9 2.8 %
Billable Expenses 369.5 341.5 (8.2) %
Cost of Services 2,219.4 2,216.2 (0.1) %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 16.9 18.5 8.6 %
Depreciation and Amortization 66.0 67.0 1.5 %
Restructuring Charges (0.6) (5.8) (89.7) %
Total Operating Expenses 2,301.7 2,295.9 (0.3) %
Operating Income 376.8 341.8 10.2 %
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense (58.7) (42.6)
Interest Income 35.1 14.7
Other (Expense) Income, Net (13.7) 17.5
Total (Expenses) and Other Income (37.3) (10.4)
Income Before Income Taxes 339.5 331.4
Provision for Income Taxes 91.5 76.4
Income of Consolidated Companies 248.0 255.0
Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates (2.3) 2.5
Net Income 245.7 257.5
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (2.0) (5.7)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $243.7 $251.8
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic $0.64 $0.64
Diluted $0.63 $0.64
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 383.6 390.6
Diluted 385.5 394.1
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $0.310 $0.290



THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF EARNINGS
THIRD QUARTER REPORT 2023 AND 2022
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023 2022 Fav. (Unfav.)
% Variance
Revenue:
Revenue before Billable Expenses 6,814.4 6,898.9 (1.2) %
Billable Expenses 1,051.6 1,043.0 0.8 %
Total Revenue 7,866.0 7,941.9 (1.0) %
Operating Expenses:
Salaries and Related Expenses 4,707.0 4,701.4 (0.1) %
Office and Other Direct Expenses 989.6 1,001.1 1.1 %
Billable Expenses 1,051.6 1,043.0 (0.8) %
Cost of Services 6,748.2 6,745.5 0.0 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 43.7 57.2 23.6 %
Depreciation and Amortization 199.0 201.9 1.4 %
Restructuring Charges (0.7) 0.7 >100%
Total Operating Expenses 6,990.2 7,005.3 0.2 %
Operating Income 875.8 936.6 (6.5) %
Expenses and Other Income:
Interest Expense (164.2) (121.2)
Interest Income 97.3 33.9
Other (Expense) Income, Net (24.8) 6.8
Total (Expenses) and Other Income (91.7) (80.5)
Income Before Income Taxes 784.1 856.1
Provision for Income Taxes 135.9 209.2
Income of Consolidated Companies 648.2 646.9
Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates (1.7) 3.3
Net Income 646.5 650.2
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (11.3) (9.4)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $635.2 $640.8
Earnings Per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders:
Basic $1.65 $1.63
Diluted $1.64 $1.62
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 385.0 392.7
Diluted 386.8 396.2
Dividends Declared Per Common Share $0.930 $0.870


THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Restructuring Charges Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)
Operating Income and Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges2 $376.8 $(21.0) $0.6 $397.2
Total (Expenses) and Other Income3 (37.3) $(12.1) (25.2)
Income Before Income Taxes 339.5 (21.0) 0.6 (12.1) 372.0
Provision for Income Taxes 91.5 4.3 (0.2) 2.6 98.2
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates (2.3) (2.3)
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (2.0) (2.0)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $243.7 $(16.7) $0.4 $(9.5) $269.5
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic 383.6 383.6
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 1.9 1.9
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted 385.5 385.5
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders4:
Basic $0.64 $(0.04) $0.00 $(0.02) $0.70
Diluted $0.63 $(0.04) $0.00 $(0.02) $0.70
1 Primarily relates to losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
2 Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation of Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges on page A5 in the appendix.
3 Consists of non-operating expenses including interest expense, interest income and other expense, net.
4 Earnings per share amounts calculated on an unrounded basis.
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
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Restructuring Charges Net Losses on Sales of Businesses1 Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)
Operating Income and Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges2 $875.8 $(63.1) $0.7 $938.2
Total (Expenses) and Other Income3 (91.7) $(20.4) (71.3)
Income Before Income Taxes 784.1 (63.1) 0.7 (20.4) 866.9
Provision for Income Taxes 135.9 12.7 (0.3) 4.0 152.3
Equity in Net Loss of Unconsolidated Affiliates (1.7) (1.7)
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (11.3) (11.3)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $635.2 $(50.4) $0.4 $(16.4) $701.6
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic 385.0 385.0
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 1.8 1.8
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted 386.8 386.8
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders4,5:
Basic $1.65 $(0.13) $0.00 $(0.04) $1.82
Diluted $1.64 $(0.13) $0.00 $(0.04) $1.81
1 Primarily relates to losses on complete dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale, as well as a loss related to the sale of an equity investment.
2 Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation of Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges on page A5 in the appendix.
3 Consists of non-operating expenses including interest expense, interest income and other expense, net.
4 Earnings per share amounts calculated on an unrounded basis.
5 Basic and diluted earnings per share, both As Reported and Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP), includes a positive impact of $0.17 related to the settlement of U.S. Federal Income Tax Audits for the years 2017-2018.
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
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS
(Amounts in Millions)
(UNAUDITED)



Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023 2022 2023 2022
Revenue Before Billable Expenses $2,309.0 $2,296.2 $6,814.4 $6,898.9
Non-GAAP Reconciliation:
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $243.7 $251.8 $635.2 $640.8
Add Back:
Provision for Income Taxes 91.5 76.4 135.9 209.2
Subtract:
Total (Expenses) and Other Income (37.3) (10.4) (91.7) (80.5)
Equity in Net (Loss) Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates (2.3) 2.5 (1.7) 3.3
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (2.0) (5.7) (11.3) (9.4)
Operating Income 376.8 341.8 875.8 936.6
Add Back:
Amortization of Acquired Intangibles 21.0 20.2 63.1 62.6
Adjusted EBITA $397.8 $362.0 $938.9 $999.2
Adjusted EBITA Margin on Revenue before Billable Expenses % 17.2 % 15.8 % 13.8 % 14.5 %
Restructuring Charges1 (0.6) (5.8) (0.7) 0.7
Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges $397.2 $356.2 $938.2 $999.9
Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges Margin on Revenue before Billable Expenses % 17.2 % 15.5 % 13.8 % 14.5 %
1 Net restructuring charges were $(0.6) for the third quarter of 2023 and $(0.7) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which represent adjustments to our 2022 and 2020 restructuring actions. Net restructuring charges of $(5.8) for the third quarter of 2022 and $0.7 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, which represent adjustments to our restructuring actions taken in 2020.
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
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Restructuring Charges1 Net Gain on Business Dispositions2 Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)
Operating Income and Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges3 $341.8 $(20.2) $5.8 $356.2
Total (Expenses) and Other Income4 (10.4) $15.1 (25.5)
Income Before Income Taxes 331.4 (20.2) 5.8 15.1 330.7
Provision for Income Taxes 76.4 4.2 (1.8) 0.1 78.9
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates 2.5 2.5
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (5.7) (5.7)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $251.8 $(16.0) $4.0 $15.2 $248.6
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic 390.6 390.6
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 3.5 3.5
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted 394.1 394.1
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders5:
Basic $0.64 $(0.04) $0.01 $0.04 $0.64
Diluted $0.64 $(0.04) $0.01 $0.04 $0.63
1 Restructuring charges of $(5.8) in the third quarter of 2022 were related to adjustments to our restructuring actions taken in 2020, which were designed to reduce our operating expenses structurally and permanently relative to revenue and to accelerate the transformation of our business.
2 Primarily relates to a cash gain in the third quarter of 2022 related to the sale of an equity investment, as well as gains on dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
3 Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation of Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges on page A5 in the appendix.
4 Consists of non-operating expenses including interest expense, interest income and other expense, net.
5 Earnings per share amounts calculated on an unrounded basis.
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
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP ADJUSTED RESULTS
(Amounts in Millions except Per Share Data)
(UNAUDITED)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
As Reported Amortization of Acquired Intangibles Restructuring Charges1 Net Losses on Business Dispositions2 Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)
Operating Income and Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges3 $936.6 $(62.6) $(0.7) $999.9
Total (Expenses) and Other Income4 (80.5) $4.5 (85.0)
Income Before Income Taxes 856.1 (62.6) (0.7) 4.5 914.9
Provision for Income Taxes 209.2 12.7 (0.2) 0.1 221.8
Equity in Net Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates 3.3 3.3
Net Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests (9.4) (9.4)
Net Income Available to IPG Common Stockholders $640.8 $(49.9) $(0.9) $4.6 $687.0
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Basic 392.7 392.7
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares 3.5 3.5
Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted 396.2 396.2
Earnings per Share Available to IPG Common Stockholders5:
Basic $1.63 $(0.13) $0.00 $0.01 $1.75
Diluted $1.62 $(0.13) $0.00 $0.01 $1.73
1 Restructuring charges of $0.7 in the first nine months of 2022 were related to adjustments to our restructuring actions taken in 2020, which were designed to reduce our operating expenses structurally and permanently relative to revenue and to accelerate the transformation of our business.
2 Primarily includes a cash gain in the first nine months of 2022 related to the sale of an equity investment, partially offset by a non-cash loss related to the deconsolidation of a previously consolidated subsidiary in which we maintain an equity investment, as well as losses on dispositions of businesses and the classification of certain assets as held for sale.
3 Refer to non-GAAP reconciliation of Adjusted EBITA before Restructuring Charges on page A5 in the appendix.
4 Consists of non-operating expenses including interest expense, interest income and other expense, net.
5 Earnings per share amounts calculated on an unrounded basis.
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.


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