Jun 30, 2024

Interpublic Group Q2 2024 Earnings Report

IPG reported a solid second quarter, marked by growth acceleration and margin expansion.

Key Takeaways

Interpublic Group reported a moderate acceleration of growth and margin expansion in the second quarter of 2024. Organic growth before billable expenses was 1.7%, bringing first-half organic growth to 1.5%. The adjusted EBITA margin improved to 14.6%.

Second-quarter organic growth before billable expenses was 1.7%, with first-half organic growth at 1.5%.

Adjusted EBITA margin for the second quarter was 14.6%, up 40 basis points year-over-year.

Diluted earnings per share were $0.57 as reported, and $0.61 as adjusted.

The company repurchased 2.2 million shares during the quarter, returning $68 million to shareholders.

Total Revenue
$2.71B
Previous year: $2.33B
+16.4%
EPS
$0.61
Previous year: $0.74
-17.6%
Organic Revenue Growth
1.7%
Adjusted EBITA Margin
14.6%
Previous year: 14.2%
+2.8%
Gross Profit
$346M
Previous year: $389M
-11.1%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.55B
Previous year: $1.63B
-4.9%
Free Cash Flow
$85.9M
Previous year: -$81.6M
-205.3%
Total Assets
$17B
Previous year: $17.1B
-0.6%

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group

Forward Guidance

IPG expects to achieve approximately 1% organic growth for the full year and continues to target an adjusted 2024 EBITA margin of 16.6%.

Positive Outlook

  • Data and tech-driven media offerings positioned for continued strong performance.
  • Specialist healthcare marketing expertise expected to maintain growth.
  • PR and experiential marketing capabilities anticipated to remain strong.
  • Focus on new business pipeline.
  • Acceleration of new capabilities in areas such as retail media and commerce.

Challenges Ahead

  • Modest incremental uncertainty in the macro environment.
  • Uncertainty in domestic consumer sentiment.
  • Challenges faced by certain agencies may weigh on results.
  • Shift in the media landscape to principal buying could lead to losses.
  • Recent losses that will weigh on our results, particularly as we head into 2025.