Mar 31

Interpublic Group Q1 2025 Earnings Report

Interpublic Group reported a net loss in Q1 2025 amid restructuring efforts and declining revenue.

Key Takeaways

Interpublic experienced a decline in revenue and posted a net loss in Q1 2025, mainly due to restructuring charges and client account activity from the prior year. Despite this, some agency units like IPG Mediabrands and Acxiom showed growth.

Revenue before billable expenses decreased 8.5% year-over-year to $1.9963 billion.

The company reported a net loss of $85.4 million, largely due to $203.3 million in restructuring charges.

Adjusted EBITA margin stood at 9.3%, reflecting disciplined cost control in a seasonally low quarter.

EPS was -$0.23 on a GAAP basis, while adjusted EPS came in at $0.33.

Total Revenue
$2.32B
Previous year: $2.5B
-6.9%
EPS
$0.33
Previous year: $0.36
-8.3%
Organic revenue growth
-3.6%
Adjusted EBITA margin
9.3%
Gross Profit
$202M
Previous year: $223M
-9.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.87B
Previous year: $1.93B
-3.1%
Free Cash Flow
-$58.5M
Previous year: -$193M
-69.6%

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group

Forward Guidance

Interpublic projects a full-year organic revenue decline of 1% to 2% and maintains its adjusted EBITA margin forecast at 16.6%.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong balance sheet supports ongoing capital returns
  • Growth at IPG Mediabrands, Deutsch, and Golin
  • Acxiom's data solutions positioned for resilience in uncertain macro conditions
  • Advancements in AI integration across service lines
  • Expected long-term financial benefits from business transformation

Challenges Ahead

  • Full-year revenue expected to decline organically by 1% to 2%
  • Impact from prior-year client account losses continues
  • Restructuring costs weigh heavily on near-term profitability
  • Macroeconomic uncertainties influence client decision-making
  • Decline in net revenue due to currency effects and dispositions