Dec 31, 2020

Interpublic Group Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Reported a solid fourth quarter and full-year performance that should place the company at the top of its sector.

Key Takeaways

Interpublic Group reported a negative 5.4% organic growth change of net revenue for Q4 2020. The adjusted EBITA margin increased by 70 basis points to 21.8%. Diluted earnings per share was $0.28 as reported and $0.86 as adjusted.

Organic growth change of net revenue was negative 5.4% in Q4.

Adjusted EBITA margin for the quarter increased 70 basis points to 21.8%.

Diluted earnings per share was $0.28 as reported and $0.86 as adjusted.

The company expects that restructuring actions for the full year will yield permanent annual operating expense reductions in the range of $160 million.

Total Revenue
$2.55B
Previous year: $2.9B
-12.1%
EPS
$0.86
Previous year: $0.88
-2.3%
Organic Revenue Growth
-5.4%
Previous year: 2.9%
-286.2%
Adjusted EBITA Margin
21.8%
Previous year: 21.1%
+3.3%
Gross Profit
$573M
Previous year: $2.9B
-80.2%
Cash and Equivalents
$2.5B
Previous year: $1.2B
+108.3%
Free Cash Flow
$1.47B
Previous year: $1.04B
+40.9%
Total Assets
$18B
Previous year: $3.3B
+446.7%

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

The company fully expects to return to positive organic growth over the course of this year, and to post full-year 2021 growth consistent with the industry, on top of our relatively stronger 2020 performance.

Positive Outlook

  • The company is well-positioned to participate in a global economic recovery.
  • The company expects to return to positive organic growth over the course of the year.
  • The company aims to deliver growth for the full year that’s consistent with the industry.
  • The company intends to continue to pay down debt.
  • The company's ongoing commitment to the dividend is clear in the action announced by the Board.

Challenges Ahead

  • Significant uncertainty is driven by macro conditions that are beyond any of our control.
  • The timing and magnitude of economic recovery clearly hinges on the resolution of the health crisis.
  • Visibility to the full-year 2021 remains challenged.
  • Last year’s first quarter was largely unaffected by the pandemic, while this year’s remains burdened by COVID.
  • There are significant variables related to public health and economic policy decisions in major world markets.