Strong U.S. and healthcare performance lift Havas results

Havas posted a solid third-quarter performance, reporting organic net revenue growth of 3.8%. The results were fueled by strong momentum in the United States and steady growth across all business divisions, especially in healthcare.

Reported net revenue reached €656 million, up 1.1% year-on-year and 3.9% on an organic basis compared to the same period in 2024.

On the back of these results, the company raised its full-year outlook. Havas now expects organic net revenue growth between 2.5% and 3.0%, up from its earlier forecast of “above 2.0%.” It also anticipates an adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, EBIT, margin of around 12.9%, an improvement of roughly 50 basis points.

Yannick Bolloré, CEO and Chairman, Havas: “Our Converged.AI strategy continues to drive measurable impact, helping clients operationalize AI across their marketing ecosystems,” he noted. Bolloré also highlighted the launch of Horizon Global, a joint venture with Horizon Media, calling it “a major milestone” that combines the companies’ strengths in delivering AI-focused solutions for modern marketers.

The quarter showed mixed performance across regions. North America led the way with 7.4% organic growth, boosted by double-digit expansion in Havas Health. Europe grew by 1.9%, with a strong UK performance balancing softer results in France, where last year’s high comparison base weighed on growth. APAC and Africa recorded an 8.2% increase, returning to positive territory, while Latin America saw a 4.6% decline, reflecting reduced client spending in Brazil and Chile after strong gains in 2024.

Havas also advanced its strategic initiatives during the quarter. The company acquired a majority stake in Tidart, a Spanish digital performance agency, to strengthen its e-commerce and digital expertise. It also formally launched Horizon Global with Horizon Media, a joint venture that brings together $20 billion in global billings and focuses on U.S.-centric international clients.

In line with its capital allocation strategy, Havas repurchased 8.8 million shares during the quarter at an average price of €1.50 per share, bringing the total buyback since June 2025 to 11.4 million shares. The company will also implement a 10-to-1 reverse share split on November 18, reducing the number of outstanding shares from 991.8 million to 99.2 million.

Looking ahead, Havas expressed confidence as it approaches the end of the year. It plans to maintain a dividend payout ratio of around 40% and reaffirmed its 2028 targets, which include an adjusted EBIT margin of 14–15% and a steady payout ratio.

www.havas.com

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