Jun 30, 2020

Interpublic Group Q2 2020 Earnings Report

Interpublic Group's Q2 2020 results were impacted by the pandemic, but the company maintained service quality, managed expenses, made structural changes, and continued to invest in the future.

Key Takeaways

Interpublic Group's second-quarter net revenue decreased by 12.8% as reported, with an organic decrease of 9.9%. The adjusted EBITA margin was 3.4%, and diluted earnings per share was a loss of $0.12 as reported, and $0.23 as adjusted for restructuring and other items. Despite the challenges, the company continued to invest in talent, tools, and differentiated capabilities.

Second-quarter net revenue decreased 12.8% as reported, with an organic decrease of 9.9%.

Adjusted EBITA margin was 3.4%, and 9.4% before the restructuring charge.

Diluted earnings per share was a loss of $0.12 as reported, and $0.23 as adjusted for the restructuring and other items.

The company took actions to lower operating expenses structurally and permanently, resulting in a restructuring charge of $112.6 million.

Total Revenue
$2.03B
Previous year: $2.52B
-19.6%
EPS
$0.23
Previous year: $0.46
-50.0%
Organic Revenue Growth
-9.9%
Adjusted EBITA Margin
3.4%
Gross Profit
$230M
Previous year: $357M
-35.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.09B
Previous year: $614M
+77.5%
Free Cash Flow
-$114M
Previous year: $245M
-146.7%
Total Assets
$4B
Previous year: $16.5B
-75.8%

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group

Forward Guidance

The environment remains unclear for as long as COVID is a threat to everyday life, and as a result, visibility to revenue remains challenging, and client decision-making difficult to forecast.

Positive Outlook

  • New-business-positive year to date and trailing twelve months.
  • Pipeline of business opportunities is quite solid, which is indicative of pent-up demand.
  • United States and Continental Europe were somewhat better in June than in May.
  • Top-20 clients and top-100 clients are performing better than the results that were reported.
  • The restructuring actions that we have taken position IPG well for the future.

Challenges Ahead

  • The spread of the virus and its impact on the sentiment and behavior of consumers.
  • Impact on income levels and business supply chains.
  • Actions of government authorities, including economic stimulus and social support.
  • Visibility is still significantly challenged, for our clients and for us.
  • Biggest risk to recovery has to do with public health challenges that are beyond our control.