Growth for Stagwell Post-Merger

Harris Poll owner Stagwell Group has reported on a year of rapid growth, with a pro forma net revenue rise of 11.3% in Q4 of 2021 and 14.5% over the full 12 months.

GAAP reported revenue rose 95.5%, driven by the merger with MDC Partners.

Pro forma adjusted EBITDA was $103.6m in Q4 (down 5.1%) and $378.0m for the Full-Year (up 19.6%). Pro forma revenue for the full year was $2.2bn, and for the fourth quarter $611.9m. In guidance for 2022 the firm forecasts pro forma net revenue growth of 18% - 22% and adjusted EBITDA of $450 - 480 million.

Chairman and CEO Mark Penn (pictured) said of the figures: '2021 was a breakthrough year for Stagwell. Our full-year results and 2022 outlook are a clear affirmation of the combination and Stagwell's unique position as the challenger that will transform marketing. We delivered pro forma organic net revenue growth of 14.5% for the year and an even more impressive 18% organic growth when excluding our Advocacy businesses, which lapped the 2020 election cycle. Our record year was driven by tailwinds across our high concentration of leading digital capabilities, including digital transformation, influencer and global performance marketing; as well as a rapid acceleration in large contract wins. Our robust 2022 outlook reflects our expectation for continued digital strength; continued acceleration in scaled, integrated contract wins; and significant growth in the second-half in our Advocacy businesses driven by an anticipated record year of spend during the 2022 U.S. mid-term elections'.

The Group employs around 10,000 people in more than 34 countries, and is online at www.stagwellglobal.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.