Publicis Groupe: Full Year 2022 Results

Double-digit organic growth for the 2^nd year in a row

Confident for 2023

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

Publicis Groupe (Paris:PUB):

• 2022 reported net revenue up +20%
• Full year 2022 organic growth at +10.1% after strong end to the year with Q4 at +9.4%
• Epsilon and Publicis Sapient at +12% and +19% organic respectively in 2022
• Operating margin rate at 18.0% with bonus pool at record high, headline EPS at €6.35 up +26% and Free Cash Flow at €1.7bn¹
• N°1 in new business league tables in 2022 for the fourth time in five years
• 2023 organic growth expected at +3% to +5% with operating margin rate between 17.5% and 18%
• 2022 proposed dividend at €2.90 per share, fully paid in cash

FY 2022 Results

Q4 2022 Revenue

Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe:

“2022 was another record year for the Groupe with reported net revenue up +20%.

For the second year in a row, we delivered double-digit organic growth and record-high financials, with Q4 well ahead of expectations.

Today, the profound transformation we have been through means our business is firing on all cylinders, allowing us to outperform the market once again on every KPI.

Thanks to our data and technology capabilities, which now represent a third of our revenue, we have been able to continue to capture the shift in our clients’ spend towards first party data management, commerce and business transformation. This can be seen in Epsilon and Publicis Sapient’s annual numbers, with organic growth of +12% and +19% respectively. That dynamic has also boosted our creative and media business, and is reflected in all of our regions, with the U.S. at +10%, APAC at +6.5% and Europe at +12.3% for the year.

Our go-to-market, positioning Publicis as a key partner in our clients’ transformation, means we have won more than our share of new business opportunities, and topped the rankings for the fourth time in the past five years.

Last but not least, our unique platform organization, with our global delivery centres, our shared services and our country model, powered by Marcel, allowed us to deliver best in class financial ratios while maintaining record-high bonuses and rewarding everyone in our group. Our operating margin rate came in at 18.0%, free cash flow at 1.7 billion euros, while our headline EPS grew by 26%, allowing us to propose a dividend of 2.90 euros per share.

This same revenue mix, go-to-market, and platform organization make us confident for the year ahead, despite the continued macroeconomic challenges. In 2023, we expect to sustain the momentum we have built since the pandemic, delivering 3 to 5% organic growth, in line with our 3-year CAGR, while maintaining an industry-leading operating margin between 17.5% and 18%.

None of this would be possible without the trust of our clients and the outstanding efforts of our people, who I’d like to deeply and sincerely thank for everything we have achieved together so far.”

Publicis Groupe’s Supervisory Board met on February 1, 2023, under the chairmanship of Maurice Lévy, to examine the 2022 annual accounts presented by Arthur Sadoun, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board.

KEY FIGURES

NET REVENUE IN FY 2022

Publicis Groupe’s net revenue for the full year 2022 was 12,572 million euros, up 19.9% compared to 10,487 million euros in 2021. Exchange rate variations over the period had a positive impact of 864 million euros and acquisitions (net of disposals) had a positive impact of 77 million euros.

Organic growth was +10.1% in FY 2022 compared to 2021. Compared to 2019, this implied organic growth of +13%, accelerating in H2 at +15% after +11% in H1.

With organic growth at double-digit again in 2022, the Groupe continued to show its ability to capture the structural shifts in the industry towards first-party data management, digital media, commerce, and business transformation. This is visible through the rise in organic growth at Epsilon and Publicis Sapient globally, up +12.0% and +18.5% respectively, both again very accretive to the Groupe performance. It was also visible through the performance of the Groupe’s Media and Creative operations, which organically grew double-digit and mid-single digit respectively.

Breakdown of FY 2022 net revenue by sector

Based on 3,620 clients representing 92% of the Groupe’s net revenue.

Breakdown of FY 2022 net revenue by region

In North America, net revenue was up +23.6% on a reported basis in 2022, including a significant positive impact of the US dollar to Euro exchange rate. On an organic basis, the region grew by +9.9%. The U.S. were also up +9.9% organically, a performance similar to the previous year. Epsilon saw its net revenue increase by +12.2% on the year, with particularly strong performance in Digital Media. Publicis Sapient was up +17.5% on an organic basis, capturing strong demand in digital business transformation, after a +20% increase in 2021. Creative activities were up mid-single digit and Media double-digit on the year.

Net revenue in Europe grew +13.6% on a reported basis and +12.3% on an organic basis, including +22.3% in the United Kingdom, +8.5%⁵ in France and +4.3% in Germany. Central and Eastern Europe grew by +10.3% organically despite the activity in Ukraine being virtually stopped. Excluding the impact of specific outdoor media activities and the Drugstore, organic growth was +12.8% in Europe.

Asia Pacific saw its net revenue grow +13.3% on a reported basis and +6.5% on an organic basis. China organic growth accelerated throughout the year and recorded +6.6% in 2022, supported by new business and despite the lockdowns.

The Middle East and Africa region was up +18.1% on a reported basis and +7.5% organically.

In Latin America, reported growth was at +18.9% while organic growth was at +10.4%.

NET REVENUE IN Q4 2022

Publicis Groupe's net revenue in Q4 2022 was 3,462 million euros compared to 2,935 million euros in Q4 2021, up +18.0%. Exchange rate variations had a 215 million euros positive impact. The acquisitions (net of disposals) had a 15 million euros positive impact.

Organic growth was +9.4% in Q4 2022, ahead of the Groupe’s upgraded guidance in October 2022.

Breakdown of Q4 2022 Net revenue by region

North America net revenue was up +23.0% on a reported basis, including a significant positive impact of the US dollar to Euro exchange rate. Organic growth in the region was +10.0%. The U.S. posted another strong quarter with a +10.1% organic growth as Media grew again double-digit this quarter, while Creative activities posted mid-single digit growth driven notably by very solid Production. Epsilon posted +13.5% organic on the quarter, with a particularly strong performance in Digital Media. Publicis Sapient grew +15.4% organically, on top of a very strong comparable base of +22% the prior year.

Europe net revenue was up +13.1% on a reported basis. It was up +13.2% on an organic basis and +17.7% excluding the contribution of Outdoor Media activities and the Drugstore. The U.K. posted an outstanding performance of +38.0% organically, led by Publicis Sapient and including very solid Media and Creative. France recorded a +5.3%⁶ organic growth, driven by Media & Creative. In Germany, organic growth was up by +7.0%. Net revenue in Central & Eastern Europe was up +7.5% organically despite virtually no activity in Ukraine.

Net revenue in Asia Pacific was up +7.0% on a reported basis, and +2.9% organically. Despite the impact of lockdowns, China’s organic growth accelerated further this quarter from +5.9% in Q3 to +8.1% in Q4, thanks to New Business ramp-up. South-East Asia was broadly stable on the quarter. Singapore & New Zealand posted very solid performances, offsetting lower Thailand which faced a very high comparable base.

Net revenue in the Middle East and Africa region was up +10.6% on a reported basis and +2.4% organically. Organic growth was driven by Media while Publicis Sapient was broadly stable despite particularly high comparable basis.

In Latin America, net revenue was up +3.5% on a reported basis and down -4.0% organically, with negative growth in Brazil not entirely offset by other countries in the region.

ANALYSIS OF FY 2022 KEY FIGURES

Income Statement

EBITDA amounted to 2,801 million euros in 2022, compared to 2,317 million euros in 2021, up 20.9%. EBITDA was 22.3% as a percentage of net revenue (compared to 22.1% in 2021).

• Personnel costs totaled 8,211 million euros in 2022, up by 23.7% from 6,639 million euros in 2021. As a percentage of net revenue, the personnel expenses represented 65.3% in 2022, compared to 63.3% in 2021. Fixed personnel costs were 7,109 million euros representing 56.5% of net revenue versus 54.6% in 2021. The cost of freelancers rose by 64 million euros in 2022, representing 456 million euros. Restructuring costs reached 82 million euros, up from the low 2021 level of 53 million euros.

• Other operating costs (excluding depreciation & amortization) amounted to 3,184 million euros, compared to 2,782 million euros in 2021. This represented 25.3% of net revenue compared to 26.5% in 2021. The agile structure of the Groupe allowed to contain G&A costs in a context of top line increase. In addition, the accounting treatment linked to the renewal of two large outdoor media contracts for 5 and 10 years, as mentioned in 2021 accounts, resulted in a technical c. 75 basis point impact, entirely offset in depreciation; those contracts were accounted for as cost of sales in 2021, and are now accounted for as right of use and lease liability leading to depreciation.

Depreciation and amortization expense was 535 million euros in 2022, up 58 million euros compared to 2021. This increase reflects the combination of foreign exchange rates and the offsetting of the Outdoor Media contract renewal described above, partly mitigated by our actions over the last years to optimize our real estate footprint.

The operating margin amounted to 2,266 million euros, up +23.2% compared to 2021. This represents a margin rate of 18.0%, up 50 basis points from 17.5% in 2021.

Operating margin rates were 18.8% in North America, 16.1% in Europe, 21.2% in Asia-Pacific, 8.7% in Latin America and 14.2% in the Middle East Africa region.

Amortization of intangibles arising from acquisitions totaled 287 million euro in 2022, up from 256 million euros in 2021. Impairment losses amounted to 109 million euros (122 million euros in 2021), essentially related to the real estate consolidation plan "All in One", which leads to a reduction in the number of sites, while allowing better collaboration between the teams. In addition, net non-current income is negative at 103 million euros in 2022 (versus a negative 28 million euros in 2021), including an 87 million euros loss linked to the Groupe’s exit from Russia as announced in March 2022.

Operating income totaled 1,767 million euros in 2022, after 1,434 million euros in 2021.

The financial result, comprising the cost of net financial debt and other financial charges and income, was an expense of 117 million euros in 2022, stable compared to an expense of 118 million euros last year.

• The net charge on net financial debt was 17 million euros in 2022 (compared to a charge of 85 million euros in 2021). It included 102 million euros of interest largely related to Epsilon’s acquisition debt, partly mitigated by interest income of 85 million euros, a 71 million euros increase compared to 2021, reflecting higher cash balances and interest rates, in particular in the U.S.
• Other financial income and expenses were a charge of 100 million euros in 2022, notably composed by 87 million euros interest on lease liabilities and 9 million in income from the fair value remeasurement of Mutual Funds. In 2021, other financial income and expenses were a charge of 33 million euros, notably composed of 70 million euros interest on lease liabilities and 42 million in income from the fair value remeasurement of Mutual Funds.

The revaluation of earn-out payments amounted to a loss of 2 million euros compared to a gain of 27 million euros in 2021.

The tax charge is 431 million euros, corresponding to an effective tax rate of 24.8% in 2022. This compared to 307 million euros in 2021, corresponding to an effective tax rate of 23.4%.

The share in profit of associates was an income of 5 million euros (zero in 2021).

Minority interests were negligible compared to an income of 9 million euros in 2021.

Overall, net income attributable to the Groupe was 1,222 million euros in 2022, an increase of 19.0% compared to 1,027 million euros in 2021.

Free Cash Flow

Financial interest paid, which mostly include interests on the acquisition debt of Epsilon and interest income from cash on balance sheet, amounted to 17 million euros, an improvement of 63 million euros compared to 2021. The improvement was largely due to the increase in interest income that reflected higher cash and interest rates particularly in the U.S. Tax paid amounted to 430 million euros, rising by 68 million euros compared to 362 million euros in 2021. Net investments in fixed assets amounted to 194 million euros, increasing by 58 million euros compared to 136 million euros in 2021.

As a result, the Groupe’s reported free cash flow, before change in working capital requirements, equals to 1,807 million euros, up by 26.6% compared to 2021.

In January 2023, the Groupe proceeded to an additional 110 million euros cash payment related to 2022 fiscal year, reflecting the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the U.S (TCJA) that was confirmed late December 2022. This change in tax legislation requires companies to capitalize and amortize U.S. R&D expenses over five years and has no impact on Effective Tax Rate.

Including this additional payment, the free cash flow for the Groupe was 1,697 million euros for 2022, up 19% versus 1,427 million euros in 2021.

Net debt

The Groupe reported a net cash position of 634 million euros as of December 31, 2022 compared to a 76 million euros net financial debt as of December 31, 2021. The Groupe's average net debt in 2022 amounted to 685 million euros, down from 1,530 million euros in 2021.

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS

On March 8, 2022, Publicis finalized the acquisition of Tremend, based in Bucharest (Romania), a fast-growing large independent software engineering company. Tremend reaches 60 million of its clients’ end users with its proven technology and will serve as the newest global delivery center for Publicis Sapient, expanding its Digital Business Transformation capabilities. With over 16 years of experience in product engineering, Tremend has 650 strong software engineering talent across high demand skills.

On March 15, 2022, Publicis announced its exit from Russia, by ceding the ownership of its agencies to local management. The Groupe handed over control of its Russian operations to Sergey Koptev, Founding Chairman of Publicis in Russia, with the clear contractual condition of ensuring a future for its 1,200 employees located in the country. The Groupe stopped its business and investments in Russia, and the cession was effective immediately. Our first quarter’s financial statements included a 87 million euros exceptional disposal loss, and Russia was deconsolidated from April 1^st, 2022.

On May 3, 2022, Publicis announced the acquisition of Profitero a leading SaaS global e-commerce intelligence platform helping brands analyse and optimize their sales, marketing and operations performance across more than 700 retail websites around the world and 70 million products. Profitero’s products, technology, and 300 employees will further scale and supercharge Publicis Groupe’s existing commerce capabilities around the world.

On June 14, 2022, Publicis announced the acquisition of Wiredcraft, a digital product consultancy and technology company focused on China and APAC, with offices in Shanghai and Singapore. Wiredcraft brings together over 100 local and international experts in technology, design, engineering, product management, consulting, and data, to help global brands create and launch digital products. Wiredcraft delivers solutions across digital transformation, direct-to-consumer e-commerce and customer loyalty data.

On September 19, 2022, Publicis finalised the acquisition of Changi Consulting, a cloud solutions company based in Dubai and founded in 2010. Changi is a top five Salesforce partner in the MENA region, that builds and delivers cloud-based solutions to over 120 clients thanks to its expertise across all main industries and business functions. As a digital business transformation partner of choice, Changi will serve as a foundation for Publicis Groupe’s strong growth in the MENA region and further expansion of Salesforce partnership globally.

On November 3, 2022, Epsilon announced the launch of its Latin America operations with the acquisition of Retargetly, a leading data and technology company. Retargetly works with marketers and publishers to combine first-party data with partner data for custom audience targeting and measurement across digital channels. Retargetly gives Epsilon the ability to deliver its industry-leading data, technology and media platform across Latin America, on top of North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia pacific.

On November 8, 2022, Carrefour Group and Publicis Groupe announced their intention to create a joint-venture to address the booming Retail Media market in Continental Europe and Latin America. By combining Publicis’ ‘CitrusAd powered by Epsilon’ technology with Carrefour Links’ retail media knowledge and expertise, this new venture will build a comprehensive media player that addresses the entire Retail Media value chain. It will span technology for inventory creation and data sharing for merchants to the full commercialization of media and data solutions for advertisers, backed directly by merchant transactions, across Continental Europe, Brazil and Argentina. The joint venture will be held 51% by Carrefour and 49% by Publicis Groupe. It is expected to start operations in the first half of 2023, subject to customary regulatory conditions and usual legal consultations.

On January 3, 2023, Publicis announced the acquisition of Yieldify, a London-based marketing technology company. Founded in 2013, Yieldify’s leading platform and service enable companies to better personalize consumers’ website experiences, driving incremental revenue and other desired outcomes by delivering the right message/experience at the right time based on a consumer's profile and stage in their purchase journey. Yieldify will become part of Epsilon, and its onsite personalization, conversion optimization and customer journey offerings will complement Epsilon PeopleCloud to better address the mid-market.

On January 10, 2023, Publicis announced the acquisition of Advertise BG, one of the leading performance marketing agencies in Bulgaria. The strategic acquisition will further reinforce Publicis Groupe Bulgaria’s competencies in digital transformation, adding firepower to its existing offering across digital strategy, data, social media, and digital content creation.

GOVERNANCE AND APPOINTMENTS

On September 14, 2022, the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe approved the renewal of Arthur Sadoun’s mandate as Chairman (Président du Directoire) and CEO of Publicis Groupe for four years.

The mandates of the Management Board (Directoire) members Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner, Secretary General, and Michel-Alain Proch, Chief Financial Officer, were also renewed for four years.

Steve King was appointed Chairman of Publicis Groupe Europe and stepped down from the Management Board.

The Groupe announced the creation of a new management team called the Directoire + that is comprised of:

• Carla Serrano, Chief Strategy Officer Publicis Groupe
• Dave Penski, CEO Publicis Media U.S.
• Nigel Vaz, CEO Publicis Sapient
• Agathe Bousquet, President Publicis Groupe France

OUTLOOK

While the macroeconomic context remains uncertain as we enter 2023, the Groupe is confident in its ability to deliver profitable growth thanks to its unique revenue mix, go-to-market and platform organization.

For the full year 2023, the Groupe aims at delivering a 3% to 5% organic growth, the mid-point of the range being in line with the Groupe’s last 3-year CAGR. For Q1 2023, the Groupe expects to deliver organic growth between 3% and 5% as well.

The Groupe expects to maintain very solid financial ratios again in 2023:

• Operating margin is expected to be between 17.5% and 18% as the Groupe continues to invest in its talent and improve its competitiveness while leveraging its efficient structures in a context of inflation.
• Free Cash Flow is expected at circa 1.6 billion euros⁷ in 2023. It includes two transitional payments linked to the new application of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on R&D capitalization confirmed at the end of December 2022: (i) 110 million euros payment related to FY2022 executed in January 2023, as described in page 10, and (ii) an estimated 90 million euros related to FY2023 which will be paid by tranches over the year. Excluding the 110 million euros payment related to fiscal year 2022, 2023 Free Cash Flow is consequently expected to be stable compared to 2022 at circa 1.7 billion euros.

CASH ALLOCATION

Based on its free cash flow prospects and on its strong financial structure, the Groupe has set the following cash allocation for 2023:

• Dividend for

Publicis Groupe

Amy Hadfield
Corporate Communications
+ 33 (0)1 44 43 70 75
amy.hadfield@publicisgroupe.com

Alessandra Girolami
Investor Relations
+ 33 (0)1 44 43 77 88
alessandra.girolami@publicisgroupe.com

Lionel Benchimol
Investor Relations
+ 33 (0)1 44 43 70 27
lionel.benchimol@publicisgroupe.com

Lorène Fleury
Investor Relations
+ 33 (0)1 44 43 57 24
lorene.fleury@publicisgroupe.com