'Total Understanding' Drives Strong Growth for Ipsos

Ipsos has reported a 14.5% increase in full-year revenue to slightly more than EUR 2 billion; with organic, constant currency growth of 3.8%, the firm's best annual performance since 2011.

By region, Asia Pacific increased 7% to EUR 373.7m, the Americas rose 4% to EUR 769.9m, and EMEA saw a 2% increase to EUR 859.6m.

In the fourth quarter, revenue broke the EUR 600m mark for the first time, up 12.1% on the EUR 535.6m recorded in Q4 2018. Organic growth in Q4 2019 was 5.6%, almost twice the level of the three previous quarters. In a statement, Ipsos said the strong performance during the quarter resulted from the implementation of its 'Total Understanding' initiative, which commenced last July.

'Thanks to this new organization, Ipsos is better positioned to meet the needs of a very large number of public and private companies and institutions, and to generate information that is reliable, clear, usable, offers a competitive edge or, in any event, is conducive to better decision-making. The Ipsos market is dynamic and, like many other markets, is moving towards demand for concrete and specific uses', the company explained.

At the end of 2018, the group completed the acquisition of four global divisions of GfK's custom research business: 'Customer Experience', 'Experience Innovation', 'Health' and 'Public Affairs', for EUR 105m. Ipsos reported EUR 175m in revenue from these in 2019 and forecasts around EUR 200m in the full year 2020. The profitability of these divisions was below the Ipsos Group average in 2018 and 2019, but should converge with it in 2020. The Maritz Mystery Shopping business and Askia, acquired earlier this year, will be integrated in the group from this month.

For the group, payroll was up 14.5%, with 9% being due to acquisitions. Ipsos says its overheads are 'under control', rising 5.5% with revenue growing more quickly. Net profit (attributable to owners of the parent), amounted to EUR 104.8m compared with EUR 107.5m in 2018, while adjusted net profit was up 3.4% to EUR 129.5m.

Web site: www.ipsos.com .