Publicis sees income and revenue surge

PUBLICIS   VIVAKI   ACQUISITIONS

Global - Publicis Groupe's first-half financial surge, buoyed by strong digital assets and notably improved numbers in most operating sectors, has CEO Maurice Levy proclaiming that the firm would outperform the market in 2010.

The Paris-based holding company today reported half-year net-income growth of almost 28% to approximately US$279 million on a revenue spike of 15% to $3.32 billion, compared to the same period a year ago.

In terms of organic growth, which factors out currency fluctuations and the impact of acquisitions, revenue improved 5.3% in the first six months of 2010.

For the second quarter, organic growth was slightly more than 7%, with revenue tallying $1.8 billion.

The company's upbeat performance is in-line with that of key competitors Omnicom, which beat analysts' expectations with its most recent numbers, and Interpublic, which today reported much improved revenue and income.

"We were quick to take the digital route, gaining a decisive lead over our competitors," Levy said via a statement.

Digital unit VivaKi, along with ad networks Publicis Worldwide and Leo Burnett, have made significant gains in 2010.

"Without lapsing into the euphoria that these half-year results for our group might warrant, I remain firmly convinced that Publicis Groupe will succeed in outperforming the market in terms of both growth and margin," he added.

The firm's ZenithOptimedia media unit recently forecast a 3.5% full-year rise in global ad spending to $448 billion.

Look for Levy to stay aggressive, especially in China, where he has identified "a significant number of targets" as possible acquisitions.

By region, the company's Latin American ops enjoyed a 10.8% revenue boost in the first half, with North America and Asia-Pacific close behind, both topping 6%. Europe grew more than 3%. The lone laggard, Africa and the Middle East, dipped 3.3%.

Publicis said it added $2.1 billion in net new business during the first half across its operations from clients such as Aflac, Cadillac, Chrysler and Sears.

Adweek