Publicis AI strategy drives double-digit gains in production and media

Publicis Groupe has reported a strong third quarter, delivering +5.7% organic growth, ahead of expectations and outperforming its 5-year third quarter Compound Annual Growth Rate of +5.2%. Growth was broad-based across all regions, with the U.S. accelerating to +7.1%, reflecting continued client demand and momentum in AI-led services.

On the back of this performance, the company has upgraded its 2025 financial year organic growth guidance to +5.0%–+5.5%, supported by sustained demand for artificial intelligence capabilities across its portfolio. Publicis also reaffirmed its industry-leading operating margin, now expected to be slightly above 18.0%, even after continued investments in M&A and talent, and confirmed free cash flow slightly above €1.9 billion.

AI powering consistent outperformance

Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe: “With no slowdown in client demand, Q3 was another very strong quarter, ahead of expectations.

We are demonstrating that artificial intelligence at Publicis is not a future promise—it is a reality today that is driving our growth.

Once again, we are showing our ability to win market share and position ourselves as a Category of One thanks to our unique AI-powered model.”

Sadoun highlighted that the group’s Connected Media activities, powered by Epsilon, grew in the high single digits, leveraging AI to integrate paid media with commerce and influencer marketing. The company’s AI production platform saw double-digit growth, driven by rising demand for personalized content. Meanwhile, Publicis Sapient remained in positive territory for the second consecutive quarter, supported by client investment in agentic network solutions to break down internal silos.

Confidence in sustained growth through 2026

Publicis expects momentum to continue into Q4, underpinning its raised full-year guidance. The company’s record new business performance is also setting the stage for another year of industry outperformance in 2026.

Sadoun: “Looking ahead, we are now building for 2026, thanks to our unmatched new business track record, with net new billings for the first nine months of the year already reaching our 2024 total. As a result, we expect to outperform the industry once again next year, for the seventh year in a row.”

With robust AI-driven growth, sustained margin leadership, and an expanding new business pipeline, Publicis continues to strengthen its position as one of the most consistently outperforming companies in the communications industry.

www.publicisgroupe.com

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