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

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.