Q3 2025 Omnicom Group Inc Earnings Call

Speaker #1: Thank you for standing by. My name is Tina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Omnicom Group third quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call.

Operator: Thank you for standing by. My name is Tina, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Omnicom Group Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. To ask a question, simply press star one on your telephone keypad. To withdraw your question, press star one again. It is now my pleasure to turn today's call over to Gregory H. Lundberg, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session.

Speaker #1: To ask a question , simply press star one on your telephone keypad . To withdraw your question , press star one again . It is now my pleasure to turn today's call over to Gregory Lundberg Investor Relations .

Speaker #1: Please go ahead .

Speaker #2: Thank you for joining our third quarter earnings call. With me today are John Wren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Philip Angelastro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Gregory Lundberg: Thank you for joining our Third Quarter Earnings Call. With me today are John Wren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Philip J. Angelastro, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. On our website, omc.com, you will find a press release and a presentation covering the information we'll review today. An archived webcast will be available when today's call concludes. Before we start, I would like to remind everyone to read the forward-looking statements and non-GAAP financial and other information that we've included at the end of our investor presentation. Certain of the statements made today may constitute forward-looking statements. These represent our present expectations, and relevant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are listed in our earnings materials and in our SEC filings, including our 2024 Form 10-K. During the course of today's call, we will also discuss certain non-GAAP measures.

Speaker #2: On our website, Omnicom Group, you will find a press release and a presentation covering the information we'll review today. An archived webcast will be available on today's call.

Speaker #2: Concludes . Before we start , I would like to remind everyone to read the forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial and other information that we've included at the end of our investor presentation .

Speaker #2: Certain of the statements made today may constitute forward looking statements . These represent our present expectations and relevant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially , are listed in our earnings materials and in our SEC filings , including our 2024 form 10-K .

Speaker #2: During the course of today's call, we will also discuss certain non-GAAP measures. You can find the reconciliation of these to the nearest comparable GAAP measures in the presentation materials.

Gregory Lundberg: You can find the reconciliation of these to the nearest comparable GAAP measures in the presentation materials. We will begin the call with an overview of our business from John. Then Phil will review our financial results, and after our prepared remarks, we'll open the line for your questions. I'll now hand the call over to John.

Speaker #2: We will begin the call with an overview of our business from John . Then Phil will review our financial results . And after our prepared remarks , we'll open the line for your questions .

Speaker #2: I'll now hand the call over to John.

Speaker #3: Thank you . Greg . Good afternoon , everyone , and thank you for joining us today . We're very pleased to share our third quarter results .

John Wren: Thank you, Greg. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. We're very pleased to share our third quarter results. Organic growth was 2.6% for the quarter. For the first nine months, organic growth is 3%, which is in line with our annual guidance. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $551.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.1% for the quarter, up 10 bps from last year. Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share was $2.24, up 10.3% versus the comparable amount in 2024. Our cash flow continues to support our primary uses of cash: dividends, acquisitions, and share repurchases, and our liquidity and balance sheet remain very strong. I'd like to provide you an update on our proposed acquisition of Interpublic Group of Companies: during the quarter, we secured antitrust clearance from all outstanding jurisdictions except the EU.

Speaker #3: Organic growth was 2.6% for the quarter. For the first nine months, organic growth is 3%, which is in line with our annual guidance.

Speaker #3: Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $551.6 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.1% for the quarter, up ten basis points from last year.

Speaker #3: non-GAAP adjusted net income per share was $2.24 , up 10.3% versus the comparable amount in 2020 . For our cash flow continues to support our primary uses of cash dividends , acquisitions and share repurchases , and our liquidity and balance sheet remained very strong .

Speaker #3: I'd like to provide you an update on our proposed acquisition of Interpublic. During the quarter, we secured antitrust clearance from all outstanding jurisdictions except the European Union.

Speaker #3: We submitted our filing yesterday , October 20th , and expect this to be the final step in securing EU approval . As a result , we're currently expect to close on the acquisition in late November .

John Wren: We submitted our filing yesterday, October 20, and expect this to be the final step in securing EU approval. As a result, we're currently expected to close on the acquisition in late November. Our dedicated integration teams at both Omnicom Group and Interpublic Group of Companies have been working tirelessly to ensure we're ready to hit the ground running on day one. We've made significant progress developing detailed plans to deliver a seamless transition for our teams and clients. Our integration team has also made progress as we prepare to launch Omni+, our next-generation marketing operating system. This operating system unifies unparalleled data assets spanning campaign performance, consumer behaviors, demographic insights, transaction intelligence, and cultural and social indicators. These integrated data sources will be unified through Axiom Real ID, the industry's most robust identity graph.

Speaker #3: Our dedicated integration teams at both Omnicom and IPG have been working tirelessly to ensure we're ready to hit the ground running on day one.

Speaker #3: We've made significant progress developing detailed plans to deliver a seamless transition for our teams and clients. Our integration team has also made progress as we prepare to launch Omni Plus.

Speaker #3: Our next generation marketing operating system . This operating system unifies unparalleled data assets spanning campaign performance . Consumer behaviors , demographic insights , transaction intelligence , and cultural and social indicators .

Speaker #3: These integrated data sources will be unified through axioms , real ID , the industry's most robust identity graph . The collective intelligence of Omni Plus will provide a unified , intuitive experience for both clients and our internal teams .

John Wren: The collective intelligence of Omni+ will provide a unified, intuitive experience for both clients and our internal teams. Our objective is clear: empower our clients to accelerate brand growth, expand customer reach, and deliver measurable business outcomes. A key part of our operating system is our generative AI layer, which is an agentic entry point to Omni+. In the last earnings call, we talked about our agentic framework and how we have been rolling it out across our entire organization. It is now the fastest-growing platform in our company's history, and our teams continue to create intelligent agents and orchestrate them to deliver faster and better outcomes for our clients. We look forward to sharing more details at its official launch at CES 2026. The result of our integration planning is we remain highly confident in exceeding the synergies we expected when we first announced the acquisition.

Speaker #3: Our objective is clear: empower our clients to accelerate brand growth, expand customer reach, and deliver measurable business outcomes. A key part of our operating system is our generative AI layer, which is an agentic entry point to Omni Plus.

Speaker #3: In the last earnings call, we talked about our Agentic framework and how we have been rolling it out across our entire organization.

Speaker #3: It is now the fastest-growing platform in our company's history, and our teams continue to create intelligent agents and orchestrate them to deliver faster and better outcomes for our clients.

Speaker #3: We look forward to sharing more details at its official launch at CES 2026. The result of our integration planning is that we remain highly confident in exceeding the synergies we expected.

Speaker #3: When we first announced the acquisition . We maintain an extremely disciplined approach to minimizing disruption to our day to day operations , ensuring our client teams remain focused and continue to deliver outstanding results .

John Wren: We maintain an extremely disciplined approach to minimizing disruption to our day-to-day operations, ensuring our client teams remain focused and continue to deliver outstanding results. The commitment is reflected in the new business we've won, including American Express, Porsche, InterSnack, White Castle, OpenAI, just to name a few. Similarly, Interpublic saw significant wins with Amgen, Bayer, Anthropic, and Paramount. The level of support we're seeing from both new and existing clients reflects the tremendous value they expect to gain from the proposed combination. We're building stronger momentum as we approach the closing of the acquisition of Interpublic. I remain extremely excited about the prospects for our growth, for our people, and our clients.

Speaker #3: The commitment is reflected in the new business we've won , including American Express , Porsche Intersnack , White Castle , OpenAI , just to name a few .

Speaker #3: Similarly, public saw significant wins with Amgen, Bayer, Anthropic, and Paramount. The level of support we're seeing from both new and existing clients reflects the tremendous value they expect to gain from the proposed combination.

Speaker #3: We are building strong momentum as we approach the closing of the acquisition of Interpublic. I remain extremely excited about the prospects for our growth, for our people, and our clients as we approach and close the transaction.

John Wren: As we approach and close the transaction, we'll keep you informed of our plans, including our leadership team and organization structure, the combined company's strategic priorities, including its expanded capabilities, services, and products, our progress on achieving the targeted synergies, and our updated financial plans and capital allocation strategy. I will now turn the call over to Phil for a closer look at the financial results. Phil?

Speaker #3: We'll keep you informed of our plans , including our leadership teams and organization structure . The combined company strategic priorities , including its expanded capabilities , services and products , our progress on achieving the targeted synergies and our updated financial plans and capital allocation strategy .

Speaker #3: I will now turn the call over to Phil for a closer look at the financial results. Phil.

Speaker #4: Thanks , John . Let's begin with our revenue growth on slide three . Organic revenue growth in the quarter was 2.6% . Additionally , the impact on revenue from foreign currency translation increased reported revenue by 1.4% as the US dollar weakened relative to most currencies throughout the quarter .

Gregory Lundberg: Thanks, John. Let's begin with our revenue growth on slide three. Organic revenue growth in the quarter was 2.6%. Additionally, the impact on revenue from foreign currency translation increased reported revenue by 1.4%, as the U.S. dollar weakened relative to most currencies throughout the quarter. If rates stay where they are, we estimate the impact of foreign currency translation on revenue in Q4 to be similar to Q3. The net impact of acquisitions and dispositions on reported revenue was not significant, which is also our expectation for Q4 and for the full year 2025, excluding the IPG transaction. Let's now review our results in more detail, beginning with a summary of our income statement on slide four. We present our reported results on the left, and we present non-GAAP adjusted numbers on the right.

Speaker #4: If rates stay where they are, we estimate the impact of foreign currency translation on revenue in Q4 to be similar to Q3.

Speaker #4: The net impact of acquisitions and dispositions on reported revenue was not significant, which is also our expectation for Q4 and for the full year 2025.

Speaker #4: Excluding the IPG transaction, let's now review our results in more detail. Beginning with a summary of our income statement on slide four.

Speaker #4: We present our reported results on the left and we present non-GAAP adjusted numbers on the right . Adjusting for acquisition related expenses and repositioning costs , our Q3 2025 non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA grew 4.6% to 651 million , with a margin of 16.1% , up ten basis points from Q3 of 2020 .

Gregory Lundberg: Adjusting for acquisition-related expenses and repositioning costs, our Q3 2025 non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA grew 4.6% to $651 million with a margin of 16.1%, up 10 basis points from Q3 of 2024. Our non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS grew 10.3% to $2.24 per share. Regarding the two adjustments made to operating expenses, the first reflects acquisition-related expenses related to both regulatory approval work and an acceleration in our integration planning work. The second reflects repositioning costs primarily related to severance as we prepare to integrate the pending acquisition of IPG. There were no adjustments to operating expenses in Q3 of 2024. Slide five shows reconciliation of these items in detail. Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2025 include $38.6 million of repositioning costs and $60.8 million of acquisition-related costs.

Speaker #4: For our non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS grew 10.3% to $2.24 per share. Regarding the two adjustments made to operating expenses, the first reflects acquisition-related expenses related to both regulatory approval work and an acceleration in our integration planning work.

Speaker #4: The second reflects repositioning costs primarily related to severance as we prepare to integrate the pending acquisition of IPG. There were no adjustments to operating expenses in Q3 of 2024.

Speaker #4: Slide five shows the reconciliation of these items in detail. Operating expenses in the third quarter of 2025 include $38.6 million of repositioning costs and $60.8 million of acquisition-related costs.

Speaker #4: We continue to expect that our non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA margin for the full year 2025 will be ten basis points higher than our full year 2024 results of 15.5%.

Gregory Lundberg: We continue to expect that our non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA margin for the full year 2025 will be 10 basis points higher than our full year 2024 results of 15.5%. Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2025 increased due to a decline in interest income, primarily from lower interest rates on our cash investment balances, partially offset by a year-over-year decline in gross interest expense due to the issuance of $600 million of our 5.3% notes to replace the $750 million of our 3.65% notes, which were retired in Q4 of 2024. We estimate that net interest expense will increase by approximately $7 million in Q4 compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower interest income expected on cash investments. Our reported income tax rate was 27.2% in Q3 2025 compared to 26.8% in the prior year.

Speaker #4: Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2025 increased due to a decline in interest income , primarily from lower interest rates on our cash investment balances , partially offset by a year over year decline in gross interest expense due to the issuance of 600 million of our 5.3% notes to replace the 750 million of our 3.65% notes , which were retired in Q4 of 2024 .

Speaker #4: We estimate that net interest expense will increase by approximately $7 million in Q4 compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower interest income expected on cash investments.

Speaker #4: Our reported income tax rate was 27.2% in Q3 2025 , compared to 26.8% in the prior year . The increased rate is primarily due to the non deductibility of certain acquisition related costs in 2025 .

Gregory Lundberg: The increased rate is primarily due to the non-deductibility of certain acquisition-related costs in 2025. On an adjusted basis, our Q3 2025 rate was 26%. For full year 2025, we expect the rate on an adjusted basis to be between 26.5% and 27%. Average diluted shares outstanding were down 2% from Q3 2024 due to net repurchase activity. Let's now turn to some key drivers of our performance, beginning on slide six with organic revenue growth by discipline. Media and advertising led our growth in the quarter with revenues up 9%. While creative continued to be impacted by lower levels of project work due to macro-economic uncertainty, media growth was strong across virtually all geographies. Precision marketing growth was just under 1%. Solid growth in the U.S. was offset by declines in other markets, primarily in Europe. Public relations declined 8%.

Speaker #4: On an adjusted basis, our Q3 2025 rate was 26%. For the full year 2025, we expect the rate on an adjusted basis to be between 26.5% and 27%.

Speaker #4: Average diluted shares outstanding were down 2% from Q3 2024 due to net repurchase activity. Let's now turn to some key drivers of our performance.

Speaker #4: Beginning on slide six , with organic revenue growth by discipline , media and advertising led our growth in the quarter , with revenues up 9% , while creative continued to be impacted by lower levels of project work due to macroeconomic uncertainty .

Speaker #4: Media growth was strong across virtually all geographies. Precision marketing growth was just under 1%. Solid growth in the U.S. was offset by declines in other markets, primarily in Europe.

Speaker #4: Public relations declined by 8%. Approximately $25 million, or 80% of the decline, results from the absence of U.S. national election-related revenue in 2025 compared to 2024, with the majority of the remaining reduction occurring in the UK.

Gregory Lundberg: Approximately $25 million or 80% of the decline results from no U.S. national election-related revenue in 2025 versus 2024, with the majority of the remaining reduction occurring in the UK. We do expect similar declines in Q4 resulting from the difficult prior year comp to Q4 of 2024, which included spend related to the U.S. national elections. Healthcare was down $6.4 million or 2% organically. Both our U.S. and European agencies were down 2% organically, as recent new business wins did not fully replace some spending declines in the quarter on client products that are in the process of coming off patent protection. We continue to believe that our agencies in this discipline are well-positioned to return to growth in the near future. Branding and retail commerce was again down 17%, as market conditions continue to impact new rebranding projects, new brand launches, and in-store retail commerce.

Speaker #4: We do expect similar declines in Q4 resulting from the difficult prior year comp to Q4 of 2024, which included spend related to the U.S. national elections.

Speaker #4: Healthcare was down 6.4 million, or 2% organically. Both our U.S. and European agencies were down 2% organically, as recent new business wins did not fully replace some spending declines in the quarter.

Speaker #4: On client products that are in the process of coming off patent protection, we continue to believe that our agencies in this discipline are well positioned to return to growth in the near future.

Speaker #4: Branding and retail commerce was again down 17% as market conditions continued to impact new rebranding projects. New brand launches and in-store retail commerce experiential declined 18% on a difficult comp against the Summer Olympics in 2024.

Gregory Lundberg: Experiential declined 18% on a difficult comp against the Summer Olympics in 2024, as we expected. Lastly, execution and support grew 2%, driven by growth in our merchandising business, which was partially offset by a reduction in spend in field marketing. Turning to organic revenue growth by geography on slide seven, we saw mixed growth across our regions. Over half of our revenue is generated in the United States, which saw 4.6% growth. UK growth was also solid at 3.7%, while continental Europe, our second-largest market, saw a decline of 3.1%. Although our non-Euro markets delivered organic growth, it was offset by a decline in our events business related to the challenging comparison in Q3 of 2024, which, as we have said, included spend related to the Paris Olympics. Slide eight is our revenue weighted by industry sector. Relative to 2024, year-to-date 2025 was fairly stable.

Speaker #4: As we expected . And lastly , execution and support grew 2% , driven by growth in our merchandising business , which was partially offset by a reduction in spend in field marketing .

Speaker #4: Turning to organic revenue growth by geography on slide seven, we saw mixed growth across our regions. Over half of our revenue is generated in the United States, which saw 4.6% growth.

Speaker #4: UK growth was also solid at 3.7% , while continental Europe , our second largest market , saw a decline of 3.1% . Although our non-euro markets delivered organic growth , it was offset by a decline in our events business related to the challenging comparison in Q3 of 2020 .

Speaker #4: For which, as we have said, included spend related to the Paris Olympics. Slide eight is our revenue weighted by industry sector relative to 2020.

Speaker #4: For year to date , 2025 was fairly stable . The only meaningful change was an increase in the relative percentage of total revenue , driven by the auto category , reflecting year on year new business wins .

Gregory Lundberg: The only meaningful change was an increase in the relative percentage of total revenue driven by the auto category, reflecting year-on-year new business wins. Other categories were relatively stable. Moving on to expense detail on slide nine, during the quarter, salary and related service costs, our largest expense, declined on a reported basis by 3.7% due to our continued efficiency initiatives, including automation initiatives and changes in our global employee mix. Third-party service costs grew in connection with growth in revenue, primarily in the media and advertising and execution and support disciplines. Third-party incidental costs, which are out-of-pocket costs billed back to clients at our cost, grew in connection with the growth in revenue. Occupancy and other costs decreased 1%, led by a decrease in general office and technology expenses. SG&A expenses increased primarily due to the $61 million of Interpublic Group of Companies acquisition-related costs in the quarter.

Speaker #4: Other categories were relatively stable . Moving on to expense detail on slide nine . During the quarter , salary related service costs . Our largest expense declined on a reported basis by 3.7% due to our continued efficiency initiatives , including automation initiatives and changes in our global employee mix .

Speaker #4: Third party service costs grew in connection with the growth in revenue , primarily in the media and advertising , and execution , and support disciplines .

Speaker #4: Third party incidental costs , which are out of pocket costs , build back to clients at our cost , grew in connection with the growth in revenue , occupancy and other costs .

Speaker #4: Decreased 1%, led by a decrease in general office and technology expenses. G&A expenses increased primarily due to the $61 million of IPG acquisition-related costs in the quarter.

Speaker #4: Excluding these costs , reported G&A expenses decreased to 2.5% of revenue . Now , please turn to slide ten for our year to date free cash flow summary .

Gregory Lundberg: Excluding these costs, reported SG&A expenses decreased to 2.5% of revenue. Now, please turn to slide 10 for our year-to-date free cash flow summary. The decline relative to last year was driven primarily by the reduction in net income resulting from the impact of both the acquisition-related costs and the repositioning costs. Our free cash flow definition excludes changes in operating capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, our change in operating capital improved $171 million, or 11%, compared to the same prior year period. On a last 12-month basis, it improved by $267 million. For the nine months ended September 30, our primary uses of free cash flow included $414 million of cash to pay for dividends to common shareholders and another $57 million for dividends to non-controlling inter-shareholders.

Speaker #4: The decline relative to last year was driven primarily by the reduction in net income resulting from the impact of both the acquisition-related costs and the repositioning costs.

Speaker #4: Our free cash flow definition excludes changes in operating capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, our change in operating capital improved by $171 million, or 11%, compared to the same prior year period.

Speaker #4: On a last 12 month basis , it improved by 267 million . For the nine months ended September 30th . Our primary uses of free cash flow included $414 million of cash to pay for dividends to common shareholders , and another $57 million for dividends to noncontrolling interest .

Speaker #4: Shareholders, our capital expenditures were $111 million and remained higher than last year due to ongoing investments in our strategic technology platform initiatives.

Gregory Lundberg: Our capital expenditures were $111 million and remained higher than last year due to ongoing investments in our strategic technology platform initiatives. Total acquisition payments were $88 million, all of which represented earnout payments and the acquisition of additional non-controlling interests. Finally, our share repurchase activity was $312 million, excluding proceeds from stock plans of $18 million. This included share repurchases of $89 million in Q3. We currently continue to expect to spend close to $600 million on share repurchases for the full year. Slide 11 is a summary of our credit, liquidity, and debt maturities.

Speaker #4: Total acquisition payments were $88 million , all of which represented earn out payments and the acquisition of additional non-controlling interests . Finally , our share repurchase activity was 312 million , excluding proceeds from stock plans of 18 million .

Speaker #4: This included share repurchases of 89 million. In Q3, we currently continue to expect to spend close to $600 million on share repurchases for the full year.

Speaker #4: Slide 11 is a summary of our credit , liquidity , and debt maturities at the end of Q3 2025 . The book value of our outstanding debt was 6.3 billion , down from the same prior year period , due primarily to the refinancing of our $750 million of 3.65% notes in Q4 of 2024 , with a new issuance in Q3 of 2024 of 600 million .

Gregory Lundberg: At the end of Q3 2025, the book value of our outstanding debt was $6.3 billion, down from the same prior year period due primarily to the refinancing of our $750 million of 3.65% notes in Q4 of 2024, with a new issuance in Q3 of 2024 of $600 million, 5.3% notes due in 2034. Our $1.4 billion April 2026 notes are now classified as current on our balance sheet. We will address refinancing these notes in due course after the closing of the IPG acquisition and the completion of the debt exchange. Our cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of the quarter were $3.4 billion. We continue to maintain an undrawn $2.5 billion revolving credit facility, which backstops our $2 billion U.S. commercial paper program. Slide 14 presents our historical returns on two important performance metrics for the 12 months ended September 30, 2025.

Speaker #4: 5.3% notes due in 2034. Our $1.4 billion April 2026 notes are now classified as current on our balance sheet. We will address refinancing these notes in due course.

Speaker #4: After the closing of IPG and the completion of the debt exchange, our cash equivalents and short-term investments at the end of the quarter were $3.4 billion.

Speaker #4: We continue to maintain an undrawn $2.5 billion revolving credit facility, which backstops our $2 billion U.S. commercial paper program. Slide 14 presents our historical returns on two important performance metrics for the 12 months ended September 30, 2025.

Speaker #4: On the company's return on invested capital was 17%, and return on equity was 31%. Both of which reflect our strong performance and our strong balance sheet.

Gregory Lundberg: Omnicom's return on invested capital was 17%, and return on equity was 31%, both of which reflect our strong performance and our strong balance sheet. These year-over-year calculations were done on a reported basis, and the reduction is driven by the impact of the IPG acquisition-related costs and the repositioning costs incurred in the 12 months ended September 30, 2025. It is approaching one year since our public announcement of the IPG acquisition, but as you know, we've been working on planning for the integration for some time. With closing expected by the end of next month, our teams have been accelerating the final planning for the integration so that we're prepared to move forward as one on day one. We're excited to be nearing this important milestone so we can emerge as the most powerful team, platform, and portfolio in the industry.

Speaker #4: These year over year calculations were done on a reported basis and a reduction is driven by the impact of the IPG acquisition related costs and the repositioning costs incurred in the 12 months ended September 30th , 2025 .

Speaker #4: It is approaching one year since our public announcement of the IPG acquisition, but as you know, we've been working on planning for the integration for some time, with closing expected by the end of next month.

Speaker #4: Our teams have been accelerating the final planning for the integration so that we're prepared to move forward as one on day one. We're excited to be nearing this important milestone so we can emerge as the most powerful team, platform, and portfolio in the industry.

Speaker #4: I will now ask the operator to please open the lines up for questions and answers. Thank you.

Gregory Lundberg: I will now ask the operator to please open the lines up for questions and answers. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Also joining the call today is Paulo Paolo Yuvienco with Omnicom . He's Omnicom chief technology officer . At this time , I would like to remind everyone in order to ask a question , press star one star , followed by the number one on your telephone keypad .

Operator: Thank you. Also joining the call today is Paolo Yuvienco, Omnicom's Chief Technology Officer. At this time, I would like to remind everyone, in order to ask a question, press star one, star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. Our first question comes from the line of Adam Berlin with UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Our first question comes from the line of Adam Berlin with UBS. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Hi . Good evening . Thank you for taking our two questions . Please . The first question is if you do manage to complete the acquisition by the end of November , as you said , when do you think you'll be able to update us in the market on some of the things we talked about at the beginning of the call ?

[Analyst 1]: Hi, good evening. Thank you for taking our two questions, please. The first question is, if you do manage to complete the acquisition by the end of November, as you said, when do you think you'll be able to update us in the market on some of the things you talked about at the beginning of the call? Specifically, when do you think we'll be able to see pro forma financials and get some guidance for how the pro forma business is going to perform? Do we have to wait to full-year results, or will we have an opportunity to hear from you before then? That's the first question. The second question is, I think most of the numbers were as expected, but there was a big deceleration in precision marketing, and you mentioned there were some problems in Europe.

Speaker #5: So specifically , when , when do you think we'll be able to see pro forma financials and get some guidance for how the performer business is going to is going to perform ?

Speaker #5: Do we have to wait until the full year results, or will we have an opportunity to hear from you before then? Ask the first question.

Speaker #5: The second question is , I mean , I think most of the numbers were were as expected , but there was a big deceleration in precision marketing .

Speaker #5: And you mentioned there were some problems in Europe. Can you just give us a bit more detail about what happened in precision marketing in the quarter and why it was so slow?

[Analyst 1]: Can you just give us a bit more detail about what happened in precision marketing in the quarter and why it was so slow? Is that going to continue into Q4? What's required for that business to get back to growth again?

Speaker #5: And, you know, is that going to continue into Q4? What's required for that business to get back to growth again?

Speaker #6: Sure . Thanks for the questions . On the first one . We're going to be able to articulate what our plans are . Shortly after we're together .

John Wren: Sure. Thanks for the questions. On the first one, we're going to be able to articulate what our plans are shortly after we're together. At the moment, our plans in the preliminary are looking to disclose the future operations and what's in the portfolio probably the week of CES, which is in the beginning of January. In terms of the financial modeling and things that you'll do, we're confirming the amount of synergies that we expect to see as a P&L benefit in 2026 and then synergies thereafter. That'll be sometime between then and at the worst, shortly after we announce the year-end earnings. We haven't come to a firm date as of yet. I can follow up on that. Your second question on precision marketing, there's a lot of puts and takes, as you said, most of them outside the U.S.

Speaker #6: But at the moment , our plans in the preliminary is will looking to disclose the future operations and what's in the portfolio . Probably the week of CES , which is in the beginning of January .

Speaker #6: And in terms of the financial modeling and things that you'll do, we're confirming the amount of synergies that we expect to see as a benefit in 2026.

Speaker #6: And then synergies thereafter . That'll be sometime between then and at the worst , shortly after we announced the year end earnings , we haven't come to a firm date as of yet .

Speaker #6: So I didn't follow up on that . And your second question on precision marketing , there's a lot of puts and takes , as you said , most of them outside the United States , the one the one unit that we had particular decline year over year is in our business , which was our consulting business , and it was .

John Wren: The one unit that we had a particular decline year-over-year is in our Cordara business, which is our consulting business, and it was really mostly related to government work in some of the major city countries in Europe that we saw a cutback. We're addressing ourselves to that. The rest of the business is very strong and continues to have a very good pipeline of new business coming through.

Speaker #6: Really, most related to government work in some of the major city countries in Europe that we saw. In fact, we’re addressing ourselves to that.

Speaker #6: The rest of the business is very strong and continues to have a very good pipeline of new business coming through.

Speaker #5: Okay, thank you very much.

[Analyst 1]: Okay, thank you very much.

Speaker #1: Your next question comes from the line of David Karnovsky with J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of David Karnofsky with JP Morgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Thank you . John , maybe just to start , I wanted to confirm the organic guide for the year . I think in your prepared remarks , you said 3% year to date growth in line with the outlook .

[Analyst 2]: Thank you. John, maybe just to start, I wanted to confirm the organic guide for the year. I think in your prepared remarks, you said 3% year-to-date growth in line with the outlook. Does that mean you're expecting around 3% for the year, or should we consider the prior 2.5% to 4.5% as still the outlook?

Speaker #7: So does that mean you're expecting around three for the year, or should we consider the prior two and a half to four and a half is still the outlook?

Speaker #6: I think we're only prepared this afternoon to talk about what our original guidance was and coming in within it. As you might imagine, there's a lot of different activity going on in the background as we get ready for the closing of the public transaction.

John Wren: I think we're only prepared this afternoon to talk about what our original guidance was and coming in within it. As you might imagine, there's a lot of different activity going on in the background as we get ready for the closing of the public transaction. We're probably a week or two off in terms of being as analytical and surgical with our operations as we would be if this was a normal, normal calendar, but we're comfortable with our guidance, both EBIT and revenue.

Speaker #6: So we're probably a week or two off in terms of being as analytical and surgical with our operations as we would be if this was a normal, normal calendar.

Speaker #6: But we're comfortable with our guidance on both EBITDA, EBIT, and revenue.

Speaker #4: The other the other thing to keep in mind , David , we we're in a position we we always are in October . As we look at into the fourth quarter , knowing that there's a meaningful amount of project work available in a typical year .

Gregory Lundberg: The other thing to keep in mind, David, we're in a position we always are in October, as we look at the fourth quarter, knowing that there's a meaningful amount of project work available in a typical year. Where we finish Q4 certainly is going to have a lot to do with how much of that our agencies are able to capture, as we go through the next two and a half, three months of activity, trying to capture any and every project our agencies can execute on. Not that much visibility on that project work, which tends to potentially get in the range of $200 million to $250 million of potential availability if we got it all. How we close out the year always plays a big part in it.

Speaker #4: And , you know , where we finish Q4 certainly is going to have a lot to do with how much of that our agencies are able to capture as we go through the next , you two and a half , three months of activity trying to capture any , any and every project .

Speaker #4: You know , our agencies can't can execute on . So not not that much visibility on that project work , which tends to , you know , potentially get get in the range of 200 to 250 million of potential availability .

Speaker #4: If we got it all . But you know , how we close out the year is always that always plays a big part in it .

John Wren: Right. The other point, which I didn't bring up in my prepared remarks, is I don't want to seem like I'm making up reasons. If I compare our portfolio as it exists until we close the deal and look to last year, which was an Olympic and a presidential election, and if I took out and compared like for like without the impact of the presidential election or the Olympics, the organic growth in the quarter would be 4% or approximately 4%. The fundamentals of the business are still very strong. That's the only reason I'm even articulating this, not as a reason for why it was 2.6%, but just to show you the underlying growth of the company.

Speaker #6: You know , the the other point which I don't I didn't bring it up very much is I don't want to seem like I'm making up reasons .

Speaker #6: If I compare up as it exists , until we close the deal and look to last year , which was an Olympic and presidential election , and if I took out and compared like for like without the impact of the presidential election or the Olympics , organic growth in the quarter would be 4% or approximately 4% .

Speaker #6: So the fundamentals of the business are still very strong . That's the only reason I'm even articulating this , not as a reason for why it was 2.6 , but just to show you underlying growth of the company and amazingly , despite all the predictions which started after we announced this proposed transaction , we haven't really lost any significant people .

John Wren: Amazingly, despite all the predictions, which started after we announced this proposed transaction, we haven't really lost any significant people, and we certainly haven't lost any business, and we continue to win business. We'll be able to be even stronger when we're able to function together. So far, we've had to pitch everything kind of independently as if we're still two independent companies. Hopefully, that will change with the completion of the deal.

Speaker #6: And we certainly haven't lost any business. We continue to win business. We'll be able to be even stronger when we're able to function together.

Speaker #6: So far, we've had to pitch everything kind of independently, as if we're still two independent companies. But hopefully that will change with the completion of the deal.

Speaker #7: Maybe just to that point. I mean, I know you can't pitch together, but I have to assume the combination is a consideration and kind of the recent RFPs.

[Analyst 2]: John, maybe just to that point, I mean, I know you can't pitch together, but I have to assume the combination is a consideration in kind of the recent RFPs. Is there interest in clients? What's been sort of the kind of response to what is obviously the combined offering coming?

Speaker #7: So , you know , was there interest in clients what's been sort of the kind of response to what is obviously the combined offering coming ?

Speaker #6: Sure . I mean , clients not . Excuse me . Clients , a very positive the ones that that are engaged with , not just the ones that we're involved with .

John Wren: Sure. Clients are very positive, the ones that we're engaged with, not just the ones that we're involved with a potential pitch for business. The only time we got to communicate was at the direction of a client, which is Bayer, which wanted to see us pitch separately, and then at the very end, asked us a few questions or demanded we answer a few questions about what it would look like post the deal. It's all been encouraging and very positive. Just from spending eight months now getting to know the talent and the tools and everything that's there and how it complements what we have, I'm very excited about the possibility of growth.

Speaker #6: A potential pitch for business , probably the only time we got to to indicate was that the direction of a client who . Which is bear , which wanted to see us pitch separately .

Speaker #6: And then at the very end, as a few questions were demanded, we answered a few questions about what we would look like post the deal.

Speaker #6: So it's all been encouraging and very positive and just from spending eight months now getting to know the talent and the tools and everything that's there , and now it complements what we have .

Speaker #6: I'm very excited about the possibility of growth.

Speaker #7: Thank you .

[Analyst 2]: Okay.

Speaker #1: Our next question comes from the line of Steven Cahall with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Stephen Cahall with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead.

Speaker #8: Thank you . Good evening . So media and advertising continued pretty strong growth in the quarter . I think up over 9% organic .

[Analyst 3]: Thank you. Good evening. Media and advertising continued pretty strong growth in the quarter, I think up over 9% organic. Could you maybe talk about first how Creative is performing within that? I think earlier it had been a bit of a drag, and just curious if it started to improve in the third quarter. As we get into a world where it feels like everything's going to be more enabled with AI or generative AI, can you talk a little bit about what that means for the media and the creative side of the businesses? Just on synergies, Interpublic Group of Companies has done a nice job of bringing down costs. I think you've also hinted at upside to the synergies. How are you thinking about the incremental synergies from here versus what you've talked about previously as we get so close to the merger? Thank you.

Speaker #8: So could you maybe talk first about how creative is performing within that? I think earlier it had been a bit of a drag.

Speaker #8: And so, just curious if it started to improve in the third quarter. And then, as we get into a world where it feels like everything's going to be more enabled with AI or generative AI, can you talk a little bit about what that means for the media and the creative side of the businesses?

Speaker #8: And then just on synergies, IPG has done a nice job of bringing down costs. I think you've also hinted at upside to synergies.

Speaker #8: So how are you thinking about the incremental synergies from here versus what you've talked about previously as we get so close to the merger?

Speaker #8: Thank you .

John Wren: All right. You have at least three questions in there. I'll try to answer two and throw the other one to Paolo. In terms of the creative business versus the media business, the creative business I would categorize as being stable, and the growth is really coming out of the media side of the business without getting more, you know, more analytics than that. In terms of AI and generative AI, more importantly, I'll throw it over to Paolo because quite a bit of real stuff is happening.

Speaker #6: At least three questions in there . I'll try to answer two and throw the other one to Paolo . In terms of the creative business versus the media business , the creative business , I would categorize as being stable and the growth is really coming out of the media side of the business without getting more , more analytic than that .

Speaker #6: In terms of AI and generative AI , more importantly , I'll throw it over to Paulo because there's quite a bit of real stuff is happening .

Speaker #6: But sure, Steven. So with.

Paolo Yuvienco: Sure. Stephen, with respect to generative AI, it's really affected every facet of our business because we've integrated it into every part of our workflow. To give you some specific examples, in one of our most recent wins for a large automotive company, our teams used integrated agents, the agentic framework that we talked about in not only this call but in the previous earnings call, throughout the entire pitch process, which includes consumer research, creative concepting, production, and customer journey planning, ultimately enabling our teams to move not just with speed but to develop a really differentiated creative solution. We have many examples like this within our sports marketing units. We're using agents that are grounded on proprietary data around experiential brand impacts of sporting events, concerts, and festivals, which is allowing them to really contextualize every concept that they explore for the work that they do for clients.

Speaker #8: Respect to .

Speaker #9: Generative AI , it's really affected every facet of our business . And because we've integrated it into every part of our workflow . So just to give you some specific examples , you know , in one of our most recent wins for large automotive company , our teams used integrated agents .

Speaker #9: The agent framework that we talked about in not only this call , but in the previous earnings call throughout the entire pitch process , which includes , you know , consumer research , creative concepting production and customer journey planning .

Speaker #9: Ultimately enabling our teams to move not just with speed , but to develop a really a differentiated , creative solution . And we have many examples like this within our sports marketing units .

Speaker #9: We're using agents that are grounded on proprietary data around experiential brand impacts of sports, sporting events, concerts, and festivals, which is allowing them to really contextualize every concept that they explore for the work that they do for clients.

Speaker #9: You know , we our commerce group , is using it very effectively . The agents and generative AI really to these days to review historical price impact on key conversion metrics to anticipate future pricing elasticity .

Paolo Yuvienco: Our commerce group is using it very effectively, the agents and generative AI, to review historical price impact on key conversion metrics to anticipate future pricing elasticity. There are many different ways that we're incorporating AI and generative AI across the process. Another good one is actually around our health group, where they continue to kind of rewrite the way drug launches are being done and the processes within that using an AI-first lens, using that generative AI and agents really at the start of the product development process. The entire ecosystem, frankly, is changing around the use of AI and generative AI. We're seeing a lot of third parties starting to adopt a more agent-based approach to ad tech and martech, and we've been working very closely with a lot of those vendors, the likes of Adobe, the whole AdCP protocol that is being spearheaded by several media organizations.

Speaker #9: So, there are many different ways that we're incorporating AI and generative AI across the process. Another good one is actually around our health group, where they continue to kind of rewrite the way drug launches are being done.

Speaker #9: And the processes within that . Using an AI first lens , using that generative AI and agents really at the start of the product development process .

Speaker #9: So the entire ecosystem , frankly , is changing around the use of AI and generative AI . We're seeing a lot of third parties starting to adopt a more agent based approach to adtech and martech , and we've been working very closely with a lot of those vendors .

Speaker #9: The likes of Adobe and the whole ADCI protocol that is being spearheaded by several media organizations. We are set up effectively to adopt those frameworks and to really drive the future of what advertising and marketing look like.

Paolo Yuvienco: We are set up effectively to adopt those frameworks and to really drive the future of what advertising and marketing looks like.

Speaker #8: And just on synergies .

[Analyst 2]: Just on synergies?

Speaker #6: Oh, synergies. I'm not prepared to disclose them, but I will tell you that we have clearly identified synergies in excess of what I promised at the time we announced the deal.

John Wren: Oh, synergies. I'm not prepared to disclose them, but I will tell you that we have clearly identified synergies in excess of what I promised at the time we announced the deal. More to come.

Speaker #6: More to come. Thank you. I'm sorry.

[Analyst 2]: Thank you.

John Wren: I'm sorry.

Speaker #1: Okay. Your next question comes from the line of Cameron McVey with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Operator: Okay. Your next question comes from the line of Cameron McVey with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Hi . Thank you . I actually just wanted to ask about the the Walmart Open AI partnership . Your view on it . You know , the potential implications , especially in relation to flywheels business around sponsored listings on Amazon .

[Analyst 4]: Hi. Thank you. I actually just wanted to ask about the Walmart OpenAI partnership, your view on it, the potential implications, especially in relation to Flywheel's business around sponsored listings on Amazon, and maybe implications on the retail media advertising industry more broadly. Thanks.

Speaker #10: Then maybe implications on the retail media advertising industry more broadly. Thanks.

Speaker #9: Yeah, sure. I'm happy.

Paolo Yuvienco: Yeah, sure. I'm happy to take that.

Speaker #6: To take that .

Speaker #9: Yeah , I can certainly give you a from a technical lens . I think it helps us . You know , obviously our role is to help our , our clients drive sales .

John Wren: Yeah.

Paolo Yuvienco: I can certainly give you a from a technical lens. I think it helps us. Obviously, our role is to help our clients drive sales. Many of those consumers are sitting on different other platforms like OpenAI. We're helping to facilitate that and working very closely with the likes of OpenAI and Walmart to understand how do we actually drive the connective tissue in order to get to the ultimate outcome that they're looking for. Ultimately, we see it as a good thing.

Speaker #9: And , you know , many of those the consumers are sitting on other , other platforms like open AI , we're helping to facilitate that .

Speaker #9: And working very closely with the likes of OpenAI and Walmart to understand how we actually drive the connective tissue in order to get to the ultimate outcome that they're looking for?

Speaker #9: So ultimately, we see it as a good thing.

Speaker #10: Okay . Thanks .

[Analyst 4]: Okay. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Okay. Your next question comes from Adrian De Saint-Hilaire. Please go ahead with Bank of America.

Operator: Okay. Your next question comes from Adrian de Saint-Hilaire with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Speaker #11: Thank you very much . Good afternoon . Good evening everyone . Can you provide a bit more color on the rise of the increase , I should say , of third party costs in Q3 , which was faster than in Q2 .

[Analyst 1]: Thank you very much. Good afternoon. Good evening, everyone. Can you provide a bit more color on the rise of, or the increase, I should say, of third-party costs in Q3, which was faster than in Q2? Is that due to faster growth in media or maybe within media, faster growth in principal trading? John, I'm just curious, in the last call, you talked about the fact that there could be some relief on marketing budgets whenever the situation on tariffs becomes clearer. Three months on, I'm just wondering, what's the latest there?

Speaker #11: Is that due to faster growth in media or maybe within media , faster growth in principal trading ? And then , John , I'm just curious , at the last in the last call , you talked about the fact that some relief on marketing budgets whenever the situation on tariffs becomes clearer .

Speaker #11: So three months on , I'm just wondering like , what's the latest there ?

Speaker #6: Sure, I'll do the last one first, and then I'll defer to Phil on your former question in terms of marketing budgets. Terrorists have certainly been part of the conversation throughout most of the year.

John Wren: Sure. I'll do the last one first, and then I'll defer to Phil on your former question. In terms of marketing budgets, tariffs have certainly been part of the conversation throughout most of the year. I would say it's more to do with supply chain than tariffs in terms of how companies are approaching what they have to sell in the marketplace. Most have been rather ingenious in terms of working through and with the tariffs that are in place. Phil mentioned the stress, I guess, that various automotive companies are facing. That seems to be improving as we get through the balance of the year. There was a huge pivot on the part of most of them where they were dependent upon getting to electric by 2030. Many of them have changed some of those plans, so they're still somewhat in flux. That's about it.

Speaker #6: I would say it's more to do with supply chain than tariffs in terms of how companies are approaching what they have to sell in the marketplace .

Speaker #6: And most of them have been rather ingenious in terms of working.

Speaker #6: through there could be and with the terrorists that are in place . You know , Phil mentioned that the stress , I guess , that various automotive companies are facing that seems to be improving as we get through the balance of the year .

Speaker #6: But there was a huge pivot on the part of most of them, where they were dependent upon getting to electric by 2030. Many of them have changed.

Speaker #6: Some of those plans , so there's still somewhat in flux , but that's about it . Other than that , it's been pretty much business as usual .

John Wren: Other than that, it's been pretty much business as usual. The conversations are slightly different, but the outcomes are roughly the same types of budgets and spending. I'm hopeful that we're going to see, as Phil mentioned, the project or the spending that gets done in the fourth quarter. Expecting to see some green shoots in things that we've yet to confirm, but clients are talking positively. That's that. I'll throw the first question back to Phil.

Speaker #6: The conversations are slightly different , but the outcomes are roughly the same types of budgets and spending . And I'm hopeful that we're going to see , as Phil mentioned , the project or the the spending that gets done in the fourth quarter , expecting to I see some green shoots in things that we've yet to confirm , but clients are talking positively .

Speaker #6: So that's that. And I'll throw the first question back to Phil. Sure.

Gregory Lundberg: Sure. Media and execution and support certainly are the primary drivers of the increase in third-party service costs. Overall, as revenue grows, these types of variable costs typically grow with it. We're happy to have them as long as it results in revenue growth and profit growth as well. Because as you could see, while organic revenue growth was 2.6% overall, EBITDA grew 4.6%, and adjusted EPS grew 10%. The media business continues to perform quite well, meeting the needs of our clients across all of our media service offerings. That's certainly what they are interested in. Proprietary media is one, but keep in mind, it's a relatively small proportion of our clients' media plan or our clients' media spend. There's quite a bit of other media service offerings that drive media growth in our media business as well.

Speaker #4: So so media , media and execution and support . Certainly the primary drivers of the increase in third party service costs overall is revenue grows .

Speaker #4: These types of variable costs typically grow with it . And , you know , we're happy to have them as long as the results in revenue growth and profit growth as well as as you can see , while our revenue growth was 2.6% , overall EBITDA grew 4.6% and adjusted EPs grew 10% .

Speaker #4: Yeah , the media business continues to perform quite well , meeting the needs of our clients across all of our media service offerings .

Speaker #4: That that certainly , you know , they are interested in proprietary media is one . But keep in mind , it's a relatively small proportion of our clients media plan or our clients media spend .

Speaker #4: And there's quite a bit of other media service offerings that drive media growth, that our media business as well.

Speaker #11: Thank you .

[Analyst 1]: Thank you.

Speaker #6: Sure .

Gregory Lundberg: Sure.

Speaker #1: And your next question comes from the line of Michael Nathanson with Moffett Nathanson. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Michael Nathanson with MoffettNathanson. Please go ahead.

Speaker #6: Yes , thanks . Hey , John , I have .

[Analyst 5]: Yeah. Thanks. Hey, John. I have one for you. I wonder, when you take a look at the combined revenue growth of Interpublic Group of Companies and Omnicom Group versus, you know, Publicis in aggregate, where do you think you can close the gap from that combination of you two to where they are today? What business lines and what places do you see the most opportunity in combination to close that gap in revenues versus where you guys are today?

Speaker #7: One for you .

Speaker #6: I wonder .

Speaker #7: When you take a .

Speaker #2: Look at the .

Speaker #7: Combined .

Speaker #6: Revenue growth .

Speaker #7: Of .

Speaker #6: Interpublic and Omnicom Group .

Speaker #8: Versus .

Speaker #7: Publicis in aggregate .

Speaker #6: Where do you .

Speaker #8: Think .

Speaker #6: You can close the gap from that combination of U2.

Speaker #7: To where they are today? So what?

Speaker #6: What business lines .

Speaker #7: And what places do you see the most opportunity in combination to close that gap in revenues versus where you guys are today?

Speaker #6: Sure. I mean, I think you have to acknowledge, just from looking from the outside in, the two companies that are growing are both publishers and us, and I expect that to continue as we go forward.

John Wren: Sure. I mean, I think you have to acknowledge, just from looking from the outside in, the two companies that are growing are both Publicis and us. I expect that to continue as we go forward. I'm not really ready to disclose what I believe the combined company is going to look like. If you sit back and with all the effort and things that we've been doing in planning this acquisition and the integration of the two companies, we're able to really focus in on those areas that are showing the most growth and lead us to a place where we're able to further differentiate ourselves. That's a battle that I expect to continue, kind of every working day from now on, with each of us doing whatever we do. There's certainly enough business for both of us to continue to grow in a very healthy way.

Speaker #6: I'm not really ready to disclose what I believe the combined company is going to look like , but if you sit back and with all the effort and things that we've been doing in planning this acquisition and the integration of the two companies , we're able to really focus in on those areas that have that are showing the most growth and leaders to a place where we're able to further differentiate ourselves .

Speaker #6: So, that's a battle that I expect to continue kind of every working day from now on, with each of us doing whatever we do.

Speaker #6: And there's certainly enough business for both of us to continue to grow in a very healthy way. So I'm not concerned about closing the gap.

John Wren: I'm not concerned about closing the gap. I mean, as I alluded to earlier, trying to answer another question, if you looked at our portfolio, look at our base and their base from the third quarter of last year, if that's what you're focused on, that's 90 days. Our third quarter last year was improved because of the Olympics and the elections. They happen every two years in the case of the Olympics and every four years in the case of the presidential election. We go through, do the analysis simply to make sure that the rest of our business is growing at a pace similar to what you would say is Publicis, right? We're in that range. We would have been 4% versus what they claim to be 5%. In any 90-day period, you can't really call that a difference.

Speaker #6: I mean , as I alluded to earlier , trying to answer another question , if you looked at our portfolio , look at our base and their base from the third quarter of last year , if that's what you're focused on , that's 90 days .

Speaker #6: Our third quarter last year was improved because of the Olympics and the elections , but they are they happen every two years . In the case of the Olympics .

Speaker #6: And every four years in case in the case of the presidential election , we go through do the analysis simply to make sure that the rest of our business is growing at a pace similar to what you would say is public , right ?

Speaker #6: We're in that range . We would have been 4% versus what they claim to be 5% . So in any 90 day period , you can't really call that a difference .

Speaker #6: But I think you can point to both of us for the last several years have been healthy performers . And I expect us to be able to even accelerate over what we've been able to do in the past because of the improvement in just the composition of the portfolio .

John Wren: I think you can point to both of us for the last several years have been healthy performers. I expect us to be able to even accelerate over what we've been able to do in the past because of the improvement in just the composition of the portfolio.

Speaker #7: Okay. Thanks, John.

[Analyst 5]: Okay. Thanks, John.

Speaker #1: And our final question comes from the line of Craig Huber with Huber Research. Please go ahead.

Operator: Our final question comes from the line of Craig Huber with Huber Research. Please go ahead.

Speaker #12: Great . Thank you . I had a similar question . John , if you could maybe just touch on as you look at the combination of IPG coming up here on , where do you think the three biggest opportunities are for revenue synergies in the past we've talked about media buying , for example , flywheel , axiom , but just walk me through what the three biggest opportunities for running things better here on a combined basis .

[Analyst 6]: Great. Thank you. I have a similar question, John. If you could maybe just touch on, as you look at the combination of Interpublic Group of Companies coming up here, on where do you think the three biggest opportunities are for revenue synergies? I mean, in the past, we've talked about media buying, for example, Flywheel, Axiom, but just walk me through the three biggest opportunities for running things better here on a combined basis.

Speaker #6: Yeah , certainly . Well , our media business probably gets to be 50 to 60% bigger than what it is currently . And within that range of activity , there's a great deal of opportunity .

John Wren: Our media business probably gets to be 50% to 60% bigger than what it is currently. Within that range of activity, there's a great deal of opportunity, and we have some really very talented people when you put the talent from both groups together who are developing offerings and products, which on behalf of clients do it better, cheaper, and faster. We're also using technology to aid in that effort. That's number one. Our healthcare portfolio, even though it's had a little bit of a bumpy road in the last nine months between, you know, first of all, the loss of Pfizer, which impacted us, which was, you know, on us, and then some of the confusion that came out of the change in the administration here in terms of its slight impact or its impact on aspects of PR.

Speaker #6: And we have some really very talented people . When you put the talent from both both groups together who are developing offerings and products , which on behalf of clients do it better , cheaper and faster , we're also using technology to aid in that effort .

Speaker #6: That's number one . Our health portfolio , even though it's had a little bit of a bumpy road in the last nine months between , you know , first of all , a loss of Pfizer , which impacted us , which was , you know , on us .

Speaker #6: And then some of the confusion that came out of the change in the administration here in terms of its slight impact or its impact on aspects of PR , but going forward , we see unbelievably strong assets which when you look at the industry , we are we punch way above our weight in terms of the people and the offerings and the areas in which we are going to be the leaders in the area of healthcare .

John Wren: Going forward, we see unbelievably strong assets, which when you look at the industry, we will punch way above our weight in terms of the people and the offerings and the areas in which we are going to be the leaders in the area of healthcare. I'm very encouraged about precision marketing, too. We hit a bump in the road with our consulting aspect of it, which we think we see daylight on, and we have action plans to act on. Those three areas would be where I see the most growth coming initially, as well as the depth of the portfolio and other areas as well, and the agility that will bring us in order to respond and change with client needs in general advertising and some other areas. The three I would focus on would be media, health, and precision.

Speaker #6: And then I'm very encouraged about precision marketing too. We hit a bump in the road with our consulting aspect of it, which we think we see daylight on, and we have action plans to act on.

Speaker #6: You . So those three areas would be where I see the most growth coming initially , as well as . The depth of the portfolio and other areas as well .

Speaker #6: And the agility that this will bring us in order to respond and change with client needs in general, advertising, and some other areas.

Speaker #6: But the three I would focus on would be media, health, and precision.

Speaker #12: And my second question , if I could , can you just talk a little bit further about the tone of of business from , from your various clients in the US and Europe ?

[Analyst 6]: My second question, if I could, can you just talk a little bit further about the tone of business from your various clients in the U.S. and Europe? Have those conversations changed much that you first versus, say, three months ago? In general, are your clients feeling better about the environment out there or worse or about the same?

Speaker #12: Have those conversations changed much for you versus, say, three months ago? Or in general, are your clients feeling better about the environment out there, or worse, or about the same?

Speaker #6: You know, the conversation touches on a lot of new topics. Generally, AI, and it's how we're going to use it.

John Wren: The conversation touches a lot of new topics, generative AI, and it's how we're going to use it. As I mentioned, the automotive industry isn't declining, but they've reached some difficulties during the course of this year. Fundamentally, the proof is in the pudding, and the budgets haven't really been slashed or cut. We're hoping to see that continue because of the, as Phil mentioned, the fourth-quarter level of projects, which clients have to actually release that funding. They have it. It's been approved for most of them and their plans. We're just waiting for confirmation of it in terms of how we bring it over the finish line between now and December 31.

Speaker #6: And as I mentioned , the automotive industry is . Isn't declining . But , you know , they they've reached some difficulties . And of course of this year .

Speaker #6: But fundamentally the proof is in the pudding . And the budgets haven't really been slashed or cut . And we're hoping to see that continue because of the as Phil mentioned , the fourth quarter level of projects which clients have to actually release that funding .

Speaker #6: They have it; it's been approved for most of them in their plans. We're just waiting for confirmation of it in terms of how we bring it over the finish line between now and December 31st.

Speaker #6: So it's not . I wouldn't say everybody is in a fork mood , but everybody has dealt with most of the challenges that have been thrown at them this year and people are seeing as through to the other side and we work hand in hand with our clients and , and they're prospering .

John Wren: It's not, I wouldn't say everybody is in a euphoric mood, but everybody has dealt with most of the challenges that have been thrown at them this year, and people are seeing themselves through to the other side. We work hand in hand with our clients. When they're prospering, we prosper. When they suffer, we suffer a little bit. Our product is the best, I think, that's out there, and I'm willing to stand by that. I don't know if I've fully answered your question, but.

Speaker #6: We prospered when they suffer; we suffer a little bit. But our product is the best, and I think that's out there, and I'm willing to stand by that.

Speaker #6: I don't know if I've fully answered your question, but.

Speaker #12: No , that's helpful . John , my last question different , different area . I want to ask you fill you know particular .

[Analyst 6]: No, that's helpful, John. My last question, a different area I wanted to ask you. Phil, you know this in particular. I mean, President Trump, about four or five weeks ago, was out there saying that he wants to give public companies the option to only report earnings twice a year as opposed to four times a year, quarterly, as it's been for decades here, and you know, give companies the option to only report twice a year. What is your thought on that? If the SEC does make that change underneath his directive, would you guys like to change that or not?

Speaker #12: I mean, President Trump, about 4 or 5 weeks ago, was out there saying that he wants to give public companies the option to only report earnings twice a year, as opposed to four times a year.

Speaker #12: Quarterly as it's been for decades here and stuff . And , give companies the option to only report twice a year . What is your thought on that , if that if the SEC does make that change underneath his directive , would you guys look to change that or not .

John Wren: Phil will answer that, but for me personally, I'd love to be under the same pressure as my foreign competitors are in terms of what the reporting requirements would be. I think.

Speaker #6: Answer that . But for me personally , I'd love to be under the same pressure as my foreign competitors are in terms of the reporting requirements , would be .

Speaker #7: I think .

Speaker #4: Yeah , I think time will tell . We'll see . We'll see . What does or doesn't happen . We typically don't like speculating , but as as John referenced , the thing that's a little bit unique about our industry .

Gregory Lundberg: Yeah, I think time will tell. We'll see what does or doesn't happen. We typically don't like speculating. As John referenced, the thing that's a little bit unique about our industry, you know, two of what will soon be the three largest players on a global basis are European. If you take one or two largest beyond that, there are also international companies that don't report quarterly. We'd certainly evaluate it if the rules changed, and it may make things more comparable if we follow the regime that's currently followed by our largest competitors. It is speculation. I think the current quarterly reporting has been in place for a long time. People are used to it. We're certainly used to it. It helps our internal processes and controls, not just on the actual reporting process, but also on our forecasting and budgeting process.

Speaker #4: You know , two of the of what will soon be the three largest players on a global basis are are European and and if you take , you know , one the 1 or 2 largest beyond that they're also in a national companies that don't report quarterly .

Speaker #4: So we'd certainly evaluate it if the rules change . And and , it may make things more comparable . If we follow the regime that's currently followed by our largest competitors .

Speaker #4: But it is speculation. I think the current quarterly reporting has been in place for a long time. People are used to it.

Speaker #4: We're certainly used to it. It helps our internal processes and controls, not just on the actual reporting process, but also on our forecasting and budgeting process.

Speaker #4: It's a good discipline to have, but it'd be a nice option to evaluate if it came to that.

Gregory Lundberg: It's a good discipline to have, but it'd be a nice option to evaluate if it came to that.

Speaker #12: I mean , certainly , Phil , I think the sell side by side as well , like the disclosure every quarter and stuff , I'm sure you guys are obviously consider that heavily in your decision , right .

[Analyst 6]: We certainly feel, I think, the sell side and the buy side as well like the disclosure every quarter and stuff. I'm sure you guys would obviously consider that heavily in your decision, right, if it comes down to it.

Speaker #12: If it comes down to it .

Speaker #4: Yeah , absolutely .

Gregory Lundberg: Yeah, absolutely.

Speaker #12: Great . Thanks guys .

[Analyst 6]: Great. Thanks, guys.

Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you all.

Gregory Lundberg: Okay, thank you all.

Operator: Okay. With no further questions, this does conclude today's conference call. You may now disconnect.